Melbourne Airport is the second airport in the southern hemisphere to install a new aircraft landing system, which uses satellite-based technology to improve aircraft navigation during poor weather conditions.
The technology improves the accuracy of positioning aircraft on approach to an airport, and guides them along a predictable, precise landing path by correcting reporting from Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and transmitting data directly to an aircraft’s flight management system.
Airservices Executive General Manager Air Navigation Services, Stephen Angus, said the implementation of SmartPath at Melbourne Airport was part of Airservices continuing focus on technology and performance, with SmartPathfirst installed at Sydney Airport in 2014.
“The integration of SmartPath both at Sydney and Melbourne Airports highlights Airservices commitment to embracing Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) technology which deliver higher performance services to our customers,” Mr Angus said.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation, Simon Gandy, said Melbourne Airport welcomed the move towards more effective and reliable forms of aircraft navigation utilising satellite-based technology.
“GBAS can provide a more resilient system for all runway approaches at Melbourne Airport, providing airlines and air travellers an enhanced level of service particularly when the airport is experiencing poor weather conditions,” Mr Gandy said.
The benefits of GBAS at other locations have included more efficient descent and landings, as well as less flight disruptions and improved airport capacity from accurately guided, simultaneous operations.
