In light of the surge of air traffic control-related delays experienced last summer, a call for prompt action to curb this continued trend and close the widening gap of inefficiencies has been issued.
A persistent deterioration in air traffic control performance across Europe has been recorded in a report from the Single European Sky’s Performance Review Body.
The findings have detailed that between June-and-August-2024 there was:
- A 6.2 per cent increase in traffic to 1.41 million flights
- A 44.9 per cent increase in total air traffic flow management delays to nearly nine million minutes
- An average delay of 13 minutes per delayed flight
- An 80.8 per cent increase in air traffic control capacity-related delays
- A 16.2 per cent increase in air traffic control staffing-related delays
- In addition, nearly one-in-two flights in Europe during last summer suffered some form of delay
This escalating trend comes as the Performance Review Body report highlighted a dramatic 430 per cent increase in annual delays between 2021-and-2023, underscoring the widening gap between demand and actual airspace capacity. This gap is expected to persist, especially with the traffic growth forecast for the coming years.
ADDRESSING THE DISRUPTION
It is critical that upon his confirmation, Commissioner-Designate Tzitzikostas swiftly responded to President von der Leyen’s call to develop a strategy to address the ‘inefficiencies in air traffic management within the Single European Sky,’ as outlined in his mission letter.
Reacting to the delay figures and Performance Review Body report, Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe, commented, ‘Reading this year’s Performance Review Body report I have a feeling of déjà vu – yet again it makes clear that the situation is worsening. Reforming Europe’s airspace is now one of the most urgent challenges facing Europe’s aviation sector and was even identified as a priority in the Draghi competitiveness report. Europe’s airspace is failing. Mario Draghi spoke of Europe’s slow agony, but for millions of passengers this summer, the agony was all too real.
‘It is simply unacceptable that nearly half of all flights in Europe face some form of delay at the busiest time of the year. We know what the problems are and the capacity we have to work with, clearly we are not doing enough with what we have to prevent delays. Reducing delays will not only minimise disruption for passengers, but also deliver real environmental benefits, potentially cutting CO2 emissions by seven-to-10 per cent. Airlines for Europe remains ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to fix this. Europe and its passengers should not be made to wait any longer.’
Airlines for Europe is Europe’s largest airline association. Based in Brussels, Airlines for Europe works with policymakers to ensure that aviation policy continues to connect Europeans with the world in a safe, competitive and sustainable manner.
HOW CAN GSE HELP STEER IMPROVEMENT?
GSE significantly contributes to reducing air traffic control delays by improving the efficiency of aircraft operations on the ground. By facilitating faster turnarounds through efficient refuelling, baggage-handling, and maintenance, GSE minimises the time aircrafts spend on the ground, allowing for timely departures.
Also noteworthy is that advanced GSE systems feature the capabilities to enhance scheduling and tracking, helping to prevent delays caused by unavailability or equipment failures, while effective GSE operations in adverse weather conditions ensure rapid preparation of aircraft, mitigating weather-related delays.
Additionally, GSE improves communication between ground crews, pilots, and air traffic control, providing real-time updates that reduce uncertainty. Streamlined passenger boarding and deplaning processes, along with effective ramp management, further minimise turnaround times and congestion. Some modern GSE even employs data analytics to optimise airport operations, aligning them more closely with air traffic control requirements.
ADAPT GSE IS AT YOUR SERVICE
By way of enhancing ground operations, GSE plays a vital role in easing air traffic control burdens and improving the overall efficiency of the air traffic system.
With our comprehensive catalogue of refurbished GSE units currently in stock, Adapt GSE are dedicated to helping streamline your operations – generating the most efficient outcomes possible for your business.
Why not check out our expansive product portfolio of GSE assets in-stock for sale and immediate and most-flexible delivery to our customer base globally?
