A new air traffic management procedure has been implemented at Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the UAE, in a bid to improve its capacity for air traffic movements and reduce fuel consumption.
The approach peak offload (APO) procedure is based on the possible re-allocation of aircraft with a lighter wake to one of two DXB runways, during peak times.
With the implementation of APO, DXB’s average air traffic movements for arrivals during peak hours has increased from 33.2 to 34.8.
Developed and designed by Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), the procedure has also reduced peak arrival delays by 40% at DXB.
The APO is further expected to cut CO2 emissions by up to 447t per month.
Dubai Air Navigation Services CEO and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority director general Mohammed Ahli said: “Under the guidance, sponsorship and leadership of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, we are committed to and continuously striving to 'Transform the Sky' through developing and launching several key air traffic movements capacity enhancement projects in Dubai.

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“Developing and implementing innovative procedures such as approach peak offload (APO) have enabled us to deliver enhanced air traffic management services and accommodate the rising demand of our prestigious clientele with up to 86% during peak hours.
“We have significantly invested our resources in thoroughly assessing the procedure from the 1 March and until its implementation in live operations through fast-time and real-time simulation exercises, this in turn has reinforced our efforts in building the safety case of the procedure, which has been approved for implementation by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).”