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.

Great increase of turists expected on the Costa del Sol this summer

Easter this year has added a positive note to the economic recovery seen on the Costa del Sol.

Official reports indicate that bars and restaurants have increased their sales by 12% while the hotels were almost full at 99 % occupancy.

Malaga alone reported 4.5% more visitors than last year thanks, among other reasons, to the arrival of cruise trips that brought more than 20,000 tourists.

Another good reason that has contributed positively are good temperatures and lack of rain during the processions.

Finally, we should also take into account the effort to promote the Costa del Sol that has been carried out this year with campaigns of "sun and sand" but also entertainment, culture and cuisine.

Summer appears therefore very promising and some 5.6 million visitors are expected on the Costa del Sol.

This will be an increase from last year of 9% in overnight stays and flights linked to Málaga International Airport.

Most tourists come from UK , Germany, France and Scandinavia.

See you soon!

Malaga Airport's new routes

Malaga International Airport offers new routes these days, which means more choice for passengers.

Airlines are confident in the potential of the Costa del Sol with 5% more offers available to customers for this summer season. 

Direct flights will be available connecting Malaga with Palma de Mallorca and three French cities: Paris, Lyon and Nantes. Vueling and Jetairfly fly to the Balearic Islands and Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, respectively.

Direct connections to New York will be implemented, latter on this year, during summer season.

New routes are also making it possible for passengers to fly directly to Shannon, Heathrow and Belfast.

This increase in the number of national and international routes and flights will help to boost the economy in the Costa del Sol but also it will help to fuel demand for property as access becomes easier.