Zurich Airport reduces Delays with Software from Orthogon

CALM is continuously fed with current data (e.g. flight schedules, aircraft specific performance parameters, inputs from air traffic controllers, current situation in the airspace, runway capacity, radar and weather data, etc.) and using this data the software calculates an optimised arrival sequence which it proposes to the air traffic controller. The controller can accept or reject the plans. The concept of the arrival manager involves reducing holding patterns in advance before aircraft come in to land. Using the software’s calculation the air traffic controller can instruct the pilot of an out of range plane to alter speed enabling the aircraft to arrive exactly at the right time for its landing approach. This saves aviation fuel, avoids delays, and reduces unnecessary looping which is unpleasant for passengers and residents (aircraft noise) on the flight path. A further advantage offered by the program is the calculation of take-off times for aircraft of nearby airports so that these can be smoothly integrated into the approach sequence. This procedure ensures that aircraft are only in the air for as long as is absolutely necessary.