Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • NATS introduces world-first aircraft separation system at Gatwick

Aerospace

NATS introduces world-first aircraft separation system at Gatwick

A new way of separating aircraft arriving into Gatwick Airport is set to cut carbon emissions by between 11,000 and 19,000 tonnes a year – and minimise delays - according to the air traffic management service, NATS.

Above: Gatwick control tower.
Courtesy NATS

Aircraft flying to the airport are now being separated by dynamically calculated time-based intervals, instead of traditional set distances in what is a world first for a single runway airport.

The change is designed to enhance the consistency of the landing rate and improve the efficiency of the runway, especially in strong winds. NATS says this will add valuable resilience to London Gatwick’s operation, helping to minimise delays and cutting the amount of time aircraft spend holding in the air.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

The resulting reduction in airline fuel burn is predicted to save between 11,000 and 19,000 tonnes of CO2 a year.

During strong headwind conditions, aircraft fly more slowly over the ground resulting in extra time between each arrival. Having to maintain set separation distances in those conditions reduces the landing rate and can have a significant knock-on effect to the airport operation, sometimes causing delays and even cancellations.

Moving to dynamically calculated time-based spacing allows the controllers to safely reduce the gaps between arriving aircraft in strong headwinds to maintain the landing rate. The change should build more resilience into the airport’s runway operations, helping it reduce delays and improve on time performance.

The breakthrough comes following the deployment of Intelligent Approach, a tool developed jointly by NATS and the technology company, Leidos. This is the first time Intelligent Approach has been deployed at a single runway ‘mixed mode’ airport, where arrivals and departures use the same runway. The tool has been specially modified to take into account both the strength of the live wind conditions and the time needed for departing aircraft to leave the runway between arrivals.

Chris Norsworthy, NATS Director Airspace and Future Operations, said: “Introducing Intelligent Approach at London Gatwick is another world first from the project team and evidence of the value of our partnership with the airport. Delivering greater operational resilience for London Gatwick will make a real positive difference to airline punctuality, helping to improve the passenger experience, reduce the risk of late running or cancelled flights and cut carbon emissions.”

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Mark Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, London Gatwick said: ”This leading technology will provide more reliable landing times for our aircraft and will minimise delays, which is good news for our passengers. With aircraft also spending less time holding in the air, fuel burn and emissions are also predicted to reduce significantly, which remains an important, ongoing focus for the airport.”  

Graham Emmons, Managing Director of Leidos Innovations UK, said: “We welcome Gatwick Airport as the first to adopt our Advanced Mixed Mode capability within the Intelligent Approach network. This system is designed to improve operational efficiency for the airport, its airlines and passengers and reduce CO2 emissions per flight.”  

Intelligent Approach provides air traffic controllers with markers on their radar screens, helping them precisely place each arrival to create the most efficient sequence of traffic. This consistency helps improve resilience and reduce delays.

It has already been successfully deployed at Heathrow, where it has cut headwind delays by 62% and at Toronto Pearson and Amsterdam Schiphol airports.

Research on Time Based Separation was carried out by NATS as part of the SESAR Programme.

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Skyports acquires Redbird Aero

Aerospace

Skyports acquires Redbird Aero

17 April 2025

Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) has acquired Redbird Aero, Australia’s leading large cargo drone operator.

Farnborough Airport voted top FBO in Europe

Aerospace

Farnborough Airport voted top FBO in Europe

17 April 2025

Farnborough Airport has today announced that it has been voted as Europe’s number one FBO (Fixed Base Operator) in the 2025 Professional Pilot PRASE Survey, marking an outstanding 18 years in the top spot.

Birmingham Airport has record year

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport has record year

17 April 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) had a record year in 2024/25 welcoming over 13 million passengers, marking a new peak for the transport hub.

Unifi secures Oxford Airport ground handling and security contracts

Aerospace Security

Unifi secures Oxford Airport ground handling and security contracts

17 April 2025

Unifi has secured its first business aviation ground handling contract and its third Fixed Base Operation/FBO security contract in the UK at London Oxford Airport, marking a major expansion of its services and a new milestone in its global growth.

Advertisement
ODU RT
NATS and ANSPs to drive sustainable aviation through GAIN

Aerospace

NATS and ANSPs to drive sustainable aviation through GAIN

16 April 2025

Green Aviation Insights (GAIN), a novel tool developed by NATS in collaboration with leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) – CAAM, skeyes and AZANS officially launches today.

Southend Airport wins Best Route Development & Marketing award at Routes Europe 2025

Aerospace

Southend Airport wins Best Route Development & Marketing award at Routes Europe 2025

15 April 2025

Southend Airport has won the award for Best Route Development & Marketing in the airports under five million passengers category at this year’s Routes Europe Awards in Seville, Spain.

Advertisement
ODU RT