Collaboration aims to identify ways to boost runway capacity safely.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have signed a Working Arrangement (WA) to conduct a study of aircraft wake turbulence at Changi Airport, with the aim of reducing aircraft separation standards safely. The outcome of the study could increase runway capacity at Changi Airport and other airports globally.
Due to the safety hazard posed by wake turbulence, an aircraft following behind another aircraft, for example, in departure or landing, must maintain an adequate safe distance. The minimum safety separation between two aircraft, in turn, determines runway capacity.
Recognising this, CAAS and EASA will work together to conduct wake vortex measurements of aircraft operating at Changi Airport. This study will involve real-time data collection via the use of laser imaging detection and ranging technology (LIDAR), as well as a review of air traffic control working procedures and methods to ensure safe aircraft separation. Outcomes and recommendations from this study would potentially provide the scientific basis for further enhancement of aircraft separation standards, without compromising on safety.
Executive Director of EASA, Mr. Patrick Ky, said, “CAAS and EASA have established a long-standing cooperation for the development of the highest aviation safety standards. This new Working Arrangement will bring valuable data and information on wake turbulences in an operational environment and will further improve our understanding of this complex topic in order to guarantee the highest level of safety to passengers.”
Director-General of CAAS, Mr. Kevin Shum, added, “This Working Arrangement with EASA adds a new dimension to our long-standing cooperation in data sharing and analysis of aircraft operations. This study is timely as Singapore and others in the international aviation community are finding various ways to optimise runway capacity to handle more flights in a safe manner.”
The WA was signed on the sidelines of the World Civil Aviation Chief Executives Forum2 held at Singapore Aviation Academy.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
