Brussels Airport and skeyes launch HERON project demonstration flights

Credit: skeyes

Brussels Airport and air navigation service provider skeyes have announced that they have officially begun demonstration flights as part of the Highly Efficient Green Operations (HERON) project. Starting on 1 October 2024, these flights aim to assess the benefits of steeper landing approaches in reducing noise pollution for surrounding communities, while also decreasing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

The demonstration flights will test the “Increased Second Glide Slope” (ISGS) solution, which modifies landing procedures by increasing the descent angle. Aircraft will now approach runways at 3.2 and 3.5-degree angles, compared to the traditional 3.0 degrees, allowing them to stay at higher altitudes for longer periods and fly at slower speeds. These changes are expected to reduce noise impact on nearby residents.

Currently, flights using the most frequently used runways, 25R and 25L, are operating with the adjusted angles. Airlines such as DHL, Brussels Airlines, TUI and Vueling are actively participating, while other carriers continue with the standard 3.0-degree descent. This first phase will continue through December 2024, focusing on the 3.2-degree angle, with a second phase planned from February to April 2025, where steeper approaches will be tested further.

The ISGS solution has been developed with Eurocontrol and Airbus as part of the SESAR programme, a European initiative to modernise air traffic management. The project is supported by CINEA (the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) and is a flagship project within SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking’s Digital Sky Demonstrators.

Through this initiative, skeyes and Brussels Airport aim to make aviation cleaner, quieter and more efficient.