ENAIRE strengthens satellite navigation in Málaga to further improve operational efficiency

New satellite-based approach procedures designed by ENAIRE came into effect yesterday at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. 

Málaga-Costa del Sol now has new satellite-based approach procedures that increase precision, regularity, and safety

These procedures, relying on the capabilities of onboard navigation systems, allow Málaga to take another step forward in modernising its airspace management by introducing new approach and landing procedures, particularly useful for maintaining service continuity in adverse weather or low visibility conditions. 

Key benefits include enhanced operational safety, as the more precise trajectories reduce crew workload and facilitate air traffic management. 

They also improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, since satellite trajectories enable direct approaches, optimising flight times and reducing fuel consumption and emissions. 

Furthermore, reliance on traditional radio aids is reduced since these procedures do not require ground installations like Instrument Landing Systems. These new satellite procedures offer flexibility, which is particularly useful during outages or scheduled maintenance of ground-based radio aids. 

With this advancement, Málaga takes another step forward in satellite navigation, as part of ENAIRE’s plan to extend this navigation across Spain. This progress supports the implementation of the Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Plan, as part of ENAIRE’s Strategic Plan, the 2025 Flight Plan. It also assists in complying with European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1048, the aim of which is to improve the efficiency of air traffic management at the European level by implementing performance-based navigation (PBN). 

In order to allow these new procedures to go into operation, ENAIRE has conducted the necessary safety studies, which were duly processed with the National Aviation Safety Agency (AESA). 

[Malaga-Costa del Sol control tower managed by ENAIRE].

About ENAIRE 

ENAIRE is the air navigation service provider in Spain. 

As a company of the Ministry of Sustainable Transport and Mobility, it provides air traffic control services during the en route and approach phases of all flights to and from Spain and overflights. In addition, it manages communications, navigation and surveillance services from ENAIRE in the airspace and the entire AENA airport network in Spain, and provides aerodrome air traffic control services in 21 airports, including the busiest. 

ENAIRE is the fourth largest European air navigation service provider, and it is a member of international partnerships A6 Alliance, SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) Joint Undertaking, SESAR Deployment Manager, iTEC, CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) and collaborates closely with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). 

ENAIRE has received the highest score in Europe on the aviation safety key performance indicator for five years in a row. It has also been awarded the EFQM 600 Seal for its safe, efficient, innovative and sustainable management of air navigation services.