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27-Mar-2025 5:30 AM

UK NATS deploys Leidos Intelligent Approach tool at London Gatwick Airport

UK NATS deployed (26-Mar-2025) Leidos' Intelligent Approach runway approach tool at London Gatwick Airport (LGW). The solution separates approaching aircraft by dynamically calculated time-based intervals, allowing air traffic controllers to safely reduce the gaps between arriving aircraft in strong headwinds to maintain the landing rate. The resulting reduction in airline fuel burn is predicted to save between 11,000 and 19,000 tonnes of CO2 p/a. LGW COO Mark Johnston said the technology will "provide more reliable landing times for our aircraft and will minimise delays". The airport is the first single runway airport to utilise the technology. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

The Intelligent Approach tool, developed by NATS and Leidos, was previously implemented in airports such as London Heathrow, Toronto Pearson, and Amsterdam Schiphol, enhancing runway capacity and reducing delays and emissions by optimising aircraft spacing1 2 3. NATS was reappointed at London Gatwick after a six-year gap and aimed to deploy Intelligent Approach as part of its strategic objectives4 5. Pairwise separation, a component of Intelligent Approach, was introduced at Swanwick air traffic control centre6.

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