Challenge
A major African ANSP, experiencing significant traffic growth, approached NATS for help. At peak periods, traffic demand exceeded capacity, placing heavy demands on terminal area airspace. In addition, frequent difficult weather conditions added to delays.
Solution
NATS conducted a critical review of its safety and operations at an Area Control Centre and Control Tower Operation. We deployed a team with experience in all the relevant areas:
- airport operations and management
- airport and airspace development
- data gathering
- analysis & relationship management.
They worked closely with the ANSP staff over an intensive period, consulting with all key stakeholders including major airline customers. The result was a set of recommendations to be implemented over the following year and a half.
These included introducing slot allocation at the major airport, which would increase arrival capacity at peak times. NATS also advised - and subsequently implemented - the gathering of data for performance measurement and benchmarking with other ANSPs. Other areas identified for development by the NATS team included management style, external relations, airspace management, ATC control and re-sectorisation.
Result
Many of the project's recommendations have been implemented over the last three years resulting in a significant increase in capacity.
