ICAO recognises LFV’s environmental work
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has named LFV’s VINGA project a ‘best practice’ case study from a global perspective.
“It is an honour, and ultimately represents proof that we in Sweden and LFV are at the forefront when it comes to the environment and aviation. I think the project demonstrated the strength of collaboration between industry players, and also the importance of involving all concerned – pilots, air traffic controllers and environmental authorities – as far as possible,” says Niclas Wiklander who was the project manager for VINGA.
National transport authorities, including the Swedish Transport Agency, were commissioned by ICAO to suggest good examples of environmental projects with well-conducted environmental impact assessments.
“When ICAO’s environmental committee CAEP asked for good examples of projects with well-executed environmental impact assessments, I felt that Sweden should take the opportunity to showcase the proactive environmental work which agencies such as LFV have conducted in Sweden in recent years,” says Therese Sjöberg from the Swedish Transport Agency.
The environmental project VINGA was carried out in 2011 at Gothenburg Landvetter Airport and used the best available technologies to evaluate the most environmentally friendly way to fly in and out of the airport. When the project ended in December 2011, 178 curved approaches (RNP AR) to runway 21 and runway 03 at Landvetter had taken place. These approaches were evaluated from a variety of perspectives. The average reduction in carbon dioxide emissions for approaches to runway 21 was 283 kg, the flight was shortened by 22 kilometres and the approaches were over areas where no new residents were exposed to noise above the guidelines.
The project resulted in curved approaches being established in Gothenburg Landvetter Airport’s everyday operations, and three airlines now meet the requirements to use the technology.
“The technology established at Landvetter and at Stockholm Arlanda Airport is crucial, as it sends a clear signal to the airlines that it pays to invest in the best technology,” adds Niclas. “Malmö Airport has received environmental approval to introduce the technology, and we note that Oslo Gardermoen is heading towards the introduction of similar flight procedures, which of course is pleasing.”
The project was funded by SESAR, among others, and was conducted in cooperation with LFV Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, Novair, Airbus, Quovadis and Chalmers University of Technology.
For more information please contact LFV Press Service +46 11 19 20 50.