ATHENs termInal Area redesign & pbN

ongoing

Athens TMA Redesign and PBN Implementation” project aims to develop a complete Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Airspace concept for “Athinai” TMA (Terminal Manoeuvring Area) airspace and integrally redesign the TMA departure and arrival procedures from/to Athens International Airport. The project’s main objective is to optimize TMA airspace operations, increasing flight efficiency and capacity as well as cost efficiency and reducing noise footprint and emissions, with first tangible benefits by early 2024, significant benefits by 2026 and complete implementation with full benefits by mid-2027. The project will deliver significant ATFM (Air Traffic Flow Management) performance benefits, at both local and network level, especially during the summer peak season, contributing to improved punctuality of flights, but also to higher performance and predictability of the European ATM (Air Traffic Management) network. The project will be gradually deployed through three packages complemented by the TMA conceptual design. The deployment comprises an incremental set of procedures (Standard Instrument Departures-SIDs, Standard Arrivals-STARs, Instrument Approach Procedures-IAPs) and airspace volumes, planned to comply with a smooth and safe transition of the airspace concept towards implementation. This project will ensure the compliance with the Performance Based Navigation (PBN) EU 2018/1048 regulation. Following the regulatory approval by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), the Hellenic Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) will complete the implementation activities by publishing the final charts and procedures under the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) of Greece. In addition, a plan for legacy ground infrastructure decommissioning will be included under the scope of the project, targeting 50% to be rationalised by 2030, and a diagnosis of current status of Satellite Based Augmentation System-SBAS aircraft equipment, including cost-benefit analysis for needed equipment for compliance with airspace PBN redesign timeline and PBN implementations and/or with EU PBN regulation. The project will be implemented in “Athinai” TMA and will include PBN procedures at Athens International Airport (LGAV), as well as the necessary adaptations for Elefsis Airport (LGEL) and Syros Airport (LGSO), geographically located within “Athinai” TMA.