Green trajectories in high traffic TMAs

New conflicting future demands in air travel like gain of capacity and coexistent reduction of environmental impact necessitate new airborne functions and a better integration of these capabilities in air traffic management (ATM). DLR´s Advanced Flight Management System proved a highly accurate predictability of 4D trajectories in flight trials with the A330-300 Full Flight Simulator of ZFB Berlin and DLR´s test aircraft ATTAS, a VFW 614 twin engine jet transport aircraft modified for research purposes. Due to an inefficient air-ground integration current terminal manoeuvring area (TMA) concepts do not support 4D-capable aircraft in flying fuel efficient and noise abating profiles. A trajectory based TMA handling is necessary to combine aircraft optimized flight profiles with high airport efficiency. This paper presents results of advanced continuous descent approaches (CDA) flight trials with the research aircraft ATTAS and simulation trials with the A330 full flight simulator. Furthermore, a trajectory based TMA concept is introduced as a possible solution for the current trade-off between green trajectories and high airport capacity even in high traffic situations.