 |
|||||
|
Langen, 23 March 2009 At a safe distance DFS presents Mobility Report 2008 Today, DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung presented its Mobility Report 2008 at a press briefing under the slogan "At a safe distance". In 2008, air traffic controllers handled 3.15 million flights in German airspace, ensuring that pilots observed the safe separation minima. Four aircraft proximities were recorded by the Aircraft Proximity Evaluation Group (APEG), one of which was attributed to risk category A (risk of collision – compared to three in 2007) and three to risk category B (safety not assured – three in 2007). One B case was caused by air traffic control (compared to three in 2007). Dieter Kaden, CEO of DFS, praised the work of his staff: "Four incidents in more than three million aircraft movements – this is an excellent result." He also took it as an opportunity to commend the quality management system at DFS. Each deviation, regardless how small, from the separation minima which are purposely set high is registered and systematically investigated. A total of 350 infringements of separation were registered, 262 of which were caused by DFS. This number has increased by 25% in the past few years. However, this does not mean that the airspace has become less safe, but rather the accuracy of electronic measurements is much higher now. Even a deviation as small as 0.1 nautical miles is recorded by the sensitive sensors. Moreover, the quality of ground control is being constantly assessed. A runway incursion occurs if, for example, an aircraft is approaching and another aircraft or follow-me vehicle inadvertently taxis onto the runway. 103 such occurrences were recorded at German airports. The APEG assigned one to category B. In total, 15 occurrences were caused by DFS. The global financial and economic crisis is also taking its toll on the air transport industry, particularly air cargo. According to Mr Kaden, air cargo is an early indicator of economic development and this early indicator has been pointing downwards for the last nine months now. In December 2008, the worldwide freight volume was 22.6% lower than in the previous year and even 23.2% lower in January 2009. Passenger numbers saw a similar but not quite as dramatic development. Since September, passenger volume has dropped by 5% around the world. While aircraft movements in 2008 increased by 1.1% over 2007, flights in German airspace have been decreasing since October. This trend has been continuing this year, with the number of aircraft movements falling by 10% in the first ten weeks of the year compared to the previous year. The European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) does not expect the air transport industry to recover before 2011. Even growth at the German airports was moderate in 2008. International airports in Germany recorded 2.16 million IFR arrivals and departures, representing a 0.2% increase over 2007. Traffic at the regional airports rose by 6%, with a total of 212,000 flights under instrument flight rules. Despite all the doom and gloom as regards the economy, the DFS CEO also had good news. Not only is flying in German airspace safe, but passengers also get to their destinations on time. In 2008, 93.6% of all flights reached their destinations without any delays caused by air traffic control. An excellent result by international standards. And there was also good news for the environment. DFS does its utmost to ensure direct routings – 95% of all flights reached their destinations directly and without holdings. This saves fuel and reduces engine emissions. Lower fuel consumption is also achieved by an approach procedure, which the airports of Frankfurt, Cologne-Bonn and Munich now apply at night. And it leads to less noise. The procedure is known as the continuous descent approach (CDA) where the aircraft continuously descends until it reaches the instrument landing system and is guided to the runway. It descends at a near-idle power setting, reducing both fuel consumption and noise. However, CDA can only be used at times of low traffic levels, which is mainly at night, as the aircraft cannot be separated as closely as is the case for conventional approaches. The third positive message was directed at all secondary school-leavers. Despite the drop in traffic volume, DFS will still be training 100 air traffic controllers a year. "We are offering young people a challenging and secure job," commented Mr Kaden, "DFS is an attractive employer." He added, "We want to continue to control air traffic in the future in the same way as we have done up to now – at a safe distance." DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, the German air navigation service provider, is a State-owned company under private law and has 5,350 employees. DFS ensures the safe and punctual handling of flights. Staff coordinate up to 10,000 aircraft movements in German airspace every day, and more than 3 million movements every year. Germany has the highest traffic volume in Europe. DFS operates control centres in Langen, Bremen, Karlsruhe and Munich. In addition, DFS staff work in the control towers of the 16 international airports in Germany, as well as at the Eurocontrol Centre in Maastricht, the Netherlands. DFS provides training and consultancy services around the world and develops and sells air traffic control, surveillance and navigation systems. The company's portfolio also comprises flight-relevant data, aeronautical publications and aeronautical information services. DFS has the following business units: Control Centre, Tower, Aeronautical Solutions and Aeronautical Information Management.
|
|||||
| DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH | Imprint | Disclaimer | Contact | Privacy Policy |
| DFS on |  |