NATS and Leidos recognised at annual air traffic awards

The UK-based air traffic service provider, NATS and project partner, Leidos were crowned winners at the annual Jane’s ATC Awards in Madrid yesterday (12 March), overcoming stiff competition from deserving projects from around the world.

Together with Leidos, NATS picked up the Enabling Technology Award for the world-first implementation of enhanced Time Based Separation (eTBS) alongside the introduction of redefined wake vortex categories (RECAT EU) at Heathrow Airport in March 2018.

The first months of eTBS operations – which dynamically calculates optimal arrival spacing to maximise runway efficiency – saw a tactical capacity gain of 1.4 additional landings per-hour in all wind conditions, with an additional 1.6 arrivals in strong headwinds. This additional resilience is helping ensure the airport can deliver to plan, airlines can keep to their schedules and local communities are not affected by late running arrivals.

Juliet Kennedy, NATS Operations Director, said: “These awards are among the most prestigious for our industry and this is a tremendous accolade for everyone involved. It is recognition of the success of our partnership approach to delivering often challenging and pioneering projects that are truly advancing aviation and delivering benefits to our customers.”

Every year, the Jane’s ATC Awards attracts entries from around the world that highlight the very best work in the industry, with projects to improve airspace capacity, efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability