Air Berlin validates noise abatement approaches

On 6th September one of Air Berlin’s Boeing 737-700s will be carrying out 13 different approaches at the DLR research airport at Braunschweig-Wolfsburg, while noise measurements are recorded on the ground.

Effective noise abatement can be achieved on the one hand by noise avoid-ance, and on the other by noise transfer. To this end Air Berlin is testing curved approaches to avoid over-flying residential areas in future. The re-search flights in Braunschweig (Brunswick) will be simulating approaches to Frankfurt am Main airport. The volume of air traffic at Germany’s busiest airport does not permit reduced-noise approaches to be tested there.

Noise transfer, however, is possible by delaying the descent. This will involve Air Berlin’s Boeing adopting a steeper glide slope than the typical one of three degrees. Not only will the noise levels be measured during the validation flights, but the impact of the noise control procedures on the aircraft and the operational procedures carried out by the crew will also be scrutinised.

Air Berlin will be using the new GLS (Global Positioning and Landing System) for these validation flights in Braunschweig. In contrast with the conventional instrument landing system (ISL), which only permits straight approach paths, GLS also enables the aircraft to skirt residential areas and to fly steeper approaches.

Satellite navigation means not only that the noise experienced in residential areas near the airport can be reduced, but also that Air Berlin can achieve greater cost efficiency. GLS can also allow accurate approach flights to be carried out without an instrument landing system even in poor visibility or at airports located in difficult terrain. This renders holding stacks or diversions to nearby airports unnecessary.

"The more weather-independent and flexible we can make our flights, the more stable our flying schedules will be," said Christoph Debus, Air Berlin’s Chief Commercial Officer. "That means even greater reliability and comfort for our passengers. Furthermore, GLS allows us to reduce our fuel consumption and consequently our environmental impact."

Air Berlin is the only airline in the world with approval to use the new satellite navigation system for normal flight operations. In November 2009 the German Federal Aviation Office granted the airline permission for category 1 (CAT1) approach flights. Since June 2007, all type 737-700 and -800 Boeings delivered to Air Berlin have been equipped with GLS. By 2013 the airline’s entire Boeing fleet should be operating with the global positioning and landing system.