Airservices introduces new system to reduce airborne delays in Melbourne Airport

Australian air navigation service provider Airservices has rolled out a new air traffic flow system aimed at reducing airborne delays for passengers flying into Melbourne Airport.

The Harmony system is already in use in Brisbane and Perth airports, and will help save fuel and associated emissions, improve safety and reduce air traffic congestion at Melbourne Airport.

With the help of weather and scheduling information, the system advices on the maximum arrival rates at airports.

The information allows Airservices to work together with airlines to absorb potential delays on the ground, before the departure, rather than in the air.

Airservices air traffic control executive general manager Greg Hood said: "The introduction of the Harmony Traffic Flow tool, provided by Metron, had already delivered significant benefits for airlines and the travelling public.

Since its introduction into Sydney in March 2012, we have seen significant reductions in airborne holding and an average reduction of up to five minutes of flight time per flight on the Melbourne to Sydney city pair, which is one of the busiest flight routes in the world.

"Each year, this difference adds up to approximately 40,000 tonnes of CO₂, which is the equivalent of taking 10,000 cars off the road."

Airborne delays in Brisbane have dropped by 35% during morning and evening peak periods since the introduction of the ground delay system in late 2012.