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
Cranfield University
Titan secures key accreditations

Aerospace Defence

Titan secures key accreditations

2 May 2025

Titan Manufacturing - based in Weymouth, Dorset - has achieved two significant accreditations that position the company as a trusted supplier for military and defence contracts.

EasyJet adds two more aircraft to its Birmingham Airport base

Aerospace

EasyJet adds two more aircraft to its Birmingham Airport base

2 May 2025

EasyJet is today celebrating the arrival of two additional aircraft at its Birmingham Airport base, supporting 800 jobs.

Aircraft orders up 73% in first quarter of 2025

Aerospace

Aircraft orders up 73% in first quarter of 2025

2 May 2025

A total of 521 aircraft orders were placed in the first quarter – representing a 73% increase compared to Q1 2024 – as demand rises for both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft, according to ADS.

ATOBA, easyJet and World Fuel sign MoU to develop SAF supply

Aerospace

ATOBA, easyJet and World Fuel sign MoU to develop SAF supply

1 May 2025

EasyJet and ATOBA Energy (ATOBA), in partnership with World Fuel Services (World Fuel), have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of long-term supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for easyJet’s operations in Europe and the UK.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

1 May 2025

Kahootz and Shipley UK have announced a strategic partnership to enhance opportunity capture and bid management capabilities.

Semiconductor facility launches in Southampton

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

Semiconductor facility launches in Southampton

1 May 2025

A new facility using cutting edge electron beam technology to build the next generation of semiconductor chips - and the first of its kind in Europe - was opened yesterday at the University of Southampton by Science Minister Lord Vallance.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025