Our Environment 
Trial of SMART approaches
Airways New Zealand and Auckland Airport are working together with a number of airlines, including Air New Zealand, to trial a new flight approach system which is aimed at reducing aircraft emissions and reducing noise levels for the communities living close to Auckland Airport.
The new SMART approaches are part of a worldwide trend to improve flight paths and are being trialled for 12 months at Auckland Airport. The technology has already been successfully implemented at some of the busiest airports in the world.
Aircraft utilising SMART approaches fly with greater efficiency than those using conventional navigation. The flight paths being trialled in Auckland have been specifically designed to maximise flying over industrial areas and the Manukau Harbour, reducing the distance flown over residential areas.
The technology enables aircraft to operate more efficiently resulting in:
- fewer miles being flown by the aircraft
- a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions
- enables better noise management for communities living close to the airport
Feedback will collected throughout the trial and will be evaluated at the end of the 12 month period.
Q&As
What are SMART approaches?
SMART approaches are aircraft approaches to an airport that take advantage of the accuracy of satellite-based navigation to create curved flight paths that join the final approach to the runway closer to the airport.
These approaches create a more continuous descent, with the aircraft engines’ power settings at or close to idle which reduces the level of noise produced.
These more efficient flight paths also result in a reduced fuel burn and therefore fewer carbon emissions.
Where are the SMART approached being trialled?
The SMART approached are being trialled at Auckland Airport for a period of 12 months from early November 2012.
Why are these SMART approaches being introduced?
SMART approaches are being implemented around the world. The continuous descent and low engine thrust, together with reduced miles flown, result in less greenhouse harming gases while also allowing an overall reduction in the aircraft noise experienced by the community.
At this stage in New Zealand the SMART approaches are being implemented by a number of airlines operating into Auckland Airport, as part of a 12 month trial.
Will the SMART approaches trial involve aircraft flying over my house?
The tracks of the new SMART approaches to Auckland Airport have been specifically designed to maximise flying over industrial and light industrial areas (for landings to the South-West), and the Manukau Harbour (landings to the North East).
During the trial some houses may experience aircraft where they previously hadn’t, however the height of the aircraft, combined with engines operating close to idle, will likely result in low level noise well within levels considered acceptable by the majority of people.
Overall this means flying taking place over residential areas on the Auckland Isthmus will be reduced and the aircraft will generally be flying slightly higher than they are today.
These efficient flight paths mean reduced miles are being flown by the aircraft (typically 27 km less) resulting in fewer carbon emissions being emitted; while the SMART approaches have been specifically designed to reduce the amount of flying over residential areas and to maximise flying over industrial areas and the Manukau Harbour.
Is there likely to be any change in the level of noise during the trial?
During the trial the number of houses experiencing aircraft noise will significantly reduce, with the SMART approaches specifically designed to reduce the amount of flying over residential areas and to maximise flying over industrial areas and the Manukau Harbour.
Houses on the current extended centreline out to East Tamaki will see no change in the number of aircraft, or noise levels experienced today. The new SMART approaches will most benefit the residents in the earlier stages of the aircraft approach.
During the trial some houses may experience aircraft where they previously hadn’t, however the height of the aircraft, combined with engines operating close to idle, will likely result in low level noise well within levels considered acceptable by the majority of people.
Which airlines will be participating in the SMART approaches trial?
Only airlines with aircraft installed with the necessary aircraft systems and approvals will be participating in the SMART approaches trial. At this stage Air New Zealand, Qantas and Jetstar aircraft have the capability to use the new SMART approaches.
With only a few airlines having the capability and approvals to fly SMART approaches, the actual number of aircraft flying these approaches will be limited. In addition, the SMART approaches are “capped” during each stage of the trial process and are only operating between 7am and 10pm each day.
Where can I provide feedback about the 12 month flight paths trial?
Auckland Airport already has a protocol in place for handling enquiries and feedback about aircraft operations and noise that can be accessed 24/7 by either:
- Calling 09 256 8133, or
- Clicking on the link on the Auckland Airport website http://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/Corporate/ContactUs.aspx
You may already have accessed those contacts and have been referred to this webpage. If you have any on-going concerns or comments about the SMART trial please log those through the above contact addresses.
Auckland Airport’s standard protocol for handling such matters is to gather as much information as practical from the caller to understand the caller’s concern and then to investigate the matter if necessary. The outcome is then conveyed back to the caller, usually in writing.
All calls received, and the results of investigations, are reported quarterly to the Aircraft Noise Community Consultative Group.
Information gathered through this process will be considered as part of assessing the SMART approaches trials.
Working together for a sustainable future
ANSPs are working closely with their airline industry partners to develop technology and procedures to reduce fuel burn and CO² emissions. Airways has won international accolades for its implementation of Collaborative Flow Management (CFM) tools, which over the past year have saved their major airline customers in NZ around $15 million in reduced fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions by around 32 million tonnes.
“ANSPs are now a key part of enabling airlines to operate better. By working closely with airlines, we can develop technologies that deliver real savings, both economically and environmentally, without impacting on safety and service delivery. Tools like CFM benefit everyone – ANSPs, the airlines and ultimately, their passengers” said developer, Chris McGaw
Performance-based Navigation
Performance-based Navigation (PBN) is a ‘whole of system’ approach that is fundamentally changing the way we fly.
PBN is the GPS of aviation. It uses satellites to pinpoint the exact location of aircraft, which means greater ability for ANSPs to be more dynamic in their use of airspace. PBN means you can fly any path in the sky and you can go anywhere you want whereas with conventional flight you could only fly between, or to and from, aids.
“For Airways, PBN instills the concept that now, smart air traffic controlling is about understanding customer service. We’re now factoring in their business needs, like enabling minimum fuel burn, whilst still providing the best runway capacity and required safety standards” says Airways PBN Project Coordinator, Kevin Bethwaite.