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22-Jun-2018 11:40 AM

Eurocontrol, SWISS see strong results in 'First Rotation Hours Optimisation Trial' at Zurich

Eurocontrol reported (21-Jun-2018) on the 'First Rotation Hours Optimisation Trial', a partnership since 18-Jul-2017 with SWISS, Skyguide, Zurich Airport and the Central Office for Delay Analysis (CODA). The trial aims to develop a procedure to minimise the number of misconnections at Zurich. Eurocontrol stated recurring air traffic flow management (ATFM) restrictions at Zurich and a lack of information on SWISS' schedule meant "the result is all too often very short connecting times for passengers". Following 211 trial services by SWISS, Eurocontrol reported:

  • 76% departed in accordance with their initially allocated calculated take off time (CTOT), arriving in Zurich on schedule;
  • 24% departed outside their initially allocated CTOT window for operational or technical reasons (mostly slot revisions owing to late arrival, last minute loading or boarding;
  • 99.12% of the transfer passengers from the selected trial flights were able to board their connecting flight on time thus helping reduce delays;
  • The services of other airlines were not affected negatively by the trial procedure, since the trade off between prioritised and non prioritised services was only done with suitable SWISS flights.

SWISS is convinced that user driven prioritisation processes are beneficial to all ATM stakeholders, and that they are an important prerequisite for enhancing operational control. The company now aims to develop the concept further and prioritise up to four daily services. [more - original PR]

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