Airberlin uses new precision approach at Malaga International Airport

Airberlin became the first airline to use Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) technology precision approach in Europe at Malaga International Airport last week. Under a partnership with the provider Aena Spanish Air Navigation Group, the airline made its first landing at the airport satellite May 5.

The new satellite-supported GBAS approach system is much more accurate than the traditional system based on the instrumentation landing (ILS) by using data from both satellites and a ground control station.

Another advantage of the system is its variable approach, which can reduce noise emissions on the ground and allows approaches in mountainous regions that were previously impossible with the ILS technology.

“In 2012 we used Europe’s first GBAS precision approach system in Bremen, Germany. For the past few months, we have also been using Europe’s first hybrid approach system in Innsbruck. This system combines the traditional localizer instrumentation-based landing system with the satellite-supported RNP [Required Navigation Performance] precision system,” airberlin fleet manager-Boeing Michail Tounas said in a statement.

Since 2008, Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS- German Air Traffic Control Services) has been working closely with Airberlin to further develop the GBAS system.

In November 2009 , Airberlin was the first airline to receive approval for GBAS approaches for visibility levels just 550 meters from its 737NG fleet.