Thales recognized for Aviation Innovation with the successful deployment of an Approach Spacing Tool (AST) in Hong Kong, China

• The Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong China and Thales have successfully implemented the innovative Approach Spacing Tool.
• This groundbreaking Approach Spacing Tool optimizes aircraft arrival spacing and supports more efficient and sustainable air travel.
• It is estimated that the implementation could reduce over 16,500 tons of fuel consumption and cut 52,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Thales is making significant strides in the aviation and Air Traffic Management industry with its innovative Approach Spacing Tool, a technological breakthrough that optimizes aircraft arrival spacing, promoting more efficient and sustainable air travel. Fully integrated with Thales’ TopSky-ATC solution, this advanced tool has been deployed in Hong Kong China and globally to support Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).

The Approach Spacing Tool revolutionizes the management of arriving flights by accurately calculating optimal spacing during the descent phase, considering real-time factors such as weather, aircraft performance, and runway capacity. It provides air traffic controllers with a clear, graphical visualization of each aircraft’s position relative to its ideal trajectory, ensuring precise and efficient sequencing.

Achieving Sustainability and Efficiency

The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD) is committed to all services and operations being conducted in an environmentally responsible manner; and dedicated to ensuring a safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport system in Hong Kong.

The HKCAD has recognized the significant benefits of the Approach Spacing Tool. Apart from providing a tool to assist air traffic controllers in delivering consistent and optimal approach spacings between arriving aircraft, thus enhancing the efficiency of the Hong Kong International Airport, it is estimated that the implementation could reduce over 16,500 tons of fuel consumption and cut 52,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. These reductions will lead to a more decarbonised and more sustainable airspace, contributing to global environmental targets. The implementation has won a runner-up honour at the Air Traffic Management Awards 2023 in the “Greener Skies” category by the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO).

Key Benefits Across the Aviation Ecosystem

The Approach Spacing Tool provides a range of advantages for all stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem, from pilots to air traffic controllers to airport operators:

• Increased airport capacity: by increasing the runway throughput
• Enhanced Safety: Accurate arrival sequences promote safer operations.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: By optimizing arrival paths, the tool significantly reduces fuel consumption and reducing the Environmental Impact of aviation operations: Lower fuel usage directly leads to reduced carbon emissions.
• Improved Passenger Experience: Predictable arrivals mean fewer delays and smoother operations.

Innovation Rooted in Expertise

Thales continues to push the boundaries of aviation technology, staying true to its mission of advancing safer, more efficient and sustainable air travel. With the Approach Spacing Tool, Thales is redefining the future of aviation while contributing to a sustainable and trusted future for the industry.

This innovation is a testament to Thales’ ingenuity in providing solutions that enhance global aviation operations. The Approach Spacing Tool not only improves safety and operational efficiency but also reflects our strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in aviation. - Philippe Bernard-Flattot, Vice President of Airspace Mobility Solutions for Asia and Pacific at Thales.