DFS - Air Traffic Control

DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH and the French air navigation service provider (DSNA) have modified the city pair between Paris and Munich to optimise efficiency in European airspace. This direct connection aims to shorten the route and by doing so save on kerosene consumption and CO2 emissions. In addition, capacities are to be increased and delays reduced.

"The modification of this route is part of the optimisation of the 50 most penalised city pairs from the flight efficiency plan developed by IATA, EUROCONTROL and CANSO," explains Eric Bruneau, Director Operations at DSNA.

The direct connection is already showing first signs of success after the test phase came to an end. This success is reflected in the numbers. The test phase ran from November 2009 to July 2010. The optimisation of the direct flight Paris – Munich has led to a reduction in the route by 34 nautical miles (NM). "With regard to fuel efficiency and environmental impact, improvements have been achieved, too." On average, 204 kg of kerosene and 680 kg of CO2 have been saved per flight. Within one week savings amounting to 646 NM, 3876 kg of kerosene and 12,920 kg of CO2 were recorded for 19 flights," says Frank Brenner, Director of the DFS Business Unit Control Centre.

In addition to international connections, city pairs within Germany are also being optimised – such as those between Munich and Cologne as well as between Berlin and Stuttgart. Routes have been shortened by 10.5 NM and 6.3 NM, respectively. The optimisation of further national and international city pairs will follow.

DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, the German air navigation service provider, is a State-owned company under private law and has 5,800 employees. DFS ensures the safe and punctual flow of air traffic over Germany. Staff coordinate up to 10,000 aircraft movements in German airspace every day, and nearly three million movements every year. This makes Germany the country with the highest traffic volume in Europe. DFS operates control centres in Langen, Bremen, Karlsruhe and Munich. In addition, DFS is represented in the Eurocontrol Centre in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and in the control towers of the 16 international German airports. DFS provides training and consultancy services around the world and develops and sells air traffic management systems, surveillance systems and navigation aids. The company's portfolio also comprises flight-relevant data, aeronautical publications and aeronautical information services. DFS has the following business units: Control Centre, Tower, Aeronautical Solutions and Aeronautical Information Management.