Voluntary tailwind data trial begins at Brisbane Airport
| Company | Brisbane Airport |
|---|---|
| Date | 01.12.2025 |
Brisbane Airport is commencing an 18‑month trial to collect data on tailwind operations, continuing long‑term efforts to safely reduce overnight aircraft noise for local communities.
The voluntary trial safely operates within the existing regulatory framework, with no changes to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards or exemptions required by Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The trial relies upon the established right of pilots to opt for a tailwind when within the safe operational parameters of their aircraft.
No aircraft or pilot will be directed to take part, with the trial program voluntary only.
CASA supports Brisbane Airport and Airservices Australia developing a trial procedure for airlines to opt into an arrangement that maximises the use of over-water operations.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Aircraft at Brisbane Airport operated safely with a 10-knot tailwind allowance for three decades, until this was aligned with international standards.
The Runway Use Programme has been designed to gather data for future consideration of a permanent increase to the tailwind allowance in Brisbane.
Greater use of tailwind operations enables more over‑water arrivals and departures, particularly at night, helping to reduce aircraft noise impacts on local communities.
Brisbane Airport has been working with airlines operating overnight to maximise the use of over‑water departures whenever safe to do so.
Through Brisbane Airport’s commitment to raising awareness of the community benefit of over‑water operations, this voluntary program has increased the number of aircraft that depart over water during these hours, with 63% of aircraft between 10pm and 6am arriving or departing over water in the past 6 months.
HOW THE 18-MONTH TRIAL WILL OPERATE
Brisbane Airport is partnering with Airservices Australia to implement the voluntary opt-in data trial, which will operate in tailwind conditions ranging from 5 to 10 knots during overnight hours, from 10pm to 6am.
The trial will be conducted in two distinct phases:
- The initial 6 months will be for departures only
- The following 12 months are designed to capture both departures and arrivals data.
The voluntary trial will operate between the hours of 10pm and 6am when the following conditions are met:
- Tailwind component is 10 kts or less (including gusts)
- Crosswind component is 20kts or less (including gusts)
- Runway is dry
- No thunderstorms are present or forecast within 30nm of the aerodrome
- No reported or forecast windshear
- Adequate Air Traffic Control staffing
- Acceptable levels of traffic complexity.
If the above conditions have been met, pilots will receive an audio notification via the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) system operated by Airservices Australia.
At all times, participation is voluntary and at the full discretion of the pilot in command.
The trial has been developed and funded by Brisbane Airport, with PlanSafe leading the development of the trial procedures and data collection process which will track wind and operational performance data from participating aircraft.
COMMENTS FROM BRISBANE AIRPORT’S HEAD OF AIRSPACE MANAGMENT, TIM BOYLE
“Safety is always our top priority at Brisbane Airport.
“We are grateful for the support of CASA to deliver this data trial in partnership with Airservices Australia.
“Passengers won’t notice any difference, but each time a pilot chooses an over the water departure path, it reduces the impact on the community.
“Even a handful of flights each week will provide valuable data over the 18‑month trial as part of this long-term project to reduce noise for our community.
“Brisbane Airport is committed to collaborating with airlines, Airservices Australia, CASA, and the community on a balanced aviation approach that delivers sustainable outcomes for Brisbane and Queensland.”
