ENAIRE strengthens satellite navigation in Málaga to further improve operational efficiency

New satellite-based approach procedures designed by ENAIRE came into effect yesterday at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. 

Málaga-Costa del Sol now has new satellite-based approach procedures that increase precision, regularity, and safety

These procedures, relying on the capabilities of onboard navigation systems, allow Málaga to take another step forward in modernising its airspace management by introducing new approach and landing procedures, particularly useful for maintaining service continuity in adverse weather or low visibility conditions. 

Key benefits include enhanced operational safety, as the more precise trajectories reduce crew workload and facilitate air traffic management. 

They also improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, since satellite trajectories enable direct approaches, optimising flight times and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. 

Furthermore, reliance on traditional radio aids is reduced since these procedures do not require ground installations like Instrument Landing Systems. These new satellite procedures offer flexibility, which is particularly useful during outages or scheduled maintenance of ground-based radio aids. 

With this advancement, Málaga takes another step forward in satellite navigation, as part of ENAIRE’s plan to extend this navigation across Spain. This progress supports the implementation of the Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Plan, as part of ENAIRE’s Strategic Plan, the 2025 Flight Plan. It also assists in complying with European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1048, the aim of which is to improve the efficiency of air traffic management at the European level by implementing performance-based navigation (PBN). 

In order to allow these new procedures to go into operation, ENAIRE has conducted the necessary safety studies, which were duly processed with the National Aviation Safety Agency (AESA). 

Image: [Malaga-Costa del Sol control tower managed by ENAIRE].