Spain is the latest European country to sign up to implement EGNOS-based approach procedures for its airports with the signing of an agreement at the World ATM Congress in Madrid. The first Spanish airport to implement EGNOS-based procedures should be up and running by this summer.
The World ATM Congress in Madrid was the background for the public signing of the latest EGNOS Working Agreement (EWA). Agreement between the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) and the Spanish airports and air navigation authority (Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegacion Aera - AENA) was reached in late December 2012, but the formal signing of the EWA took place at a ceremony in Madrid on 13 February.
The arrangement between ESSP and AENA is a key step in the implementation of EGNOS-based approach procedures, specifically localiser performance with vertical guidance (LPV) procedures, throughout Spain.
The agreement was sealed by ESSP President, Dirk Werquin, and AENA's Air Navigation Director, Ignacio Gonzalez, at the ATM Congress on AENA's exhibition stand. Dirk Werquin presented Ignacio Gonzalez with a diploma recognising this significant new era in Spanish air traffic management.
EGNOS procedures
With the signed EWA, Spanish airports can now start publishing EGNOS-based procedures that can improve safety and accessibility and boost the efficiency of the aviation transport sector.
"The use of EGNOS for LPV approach procedures is already a reality in Europe," said Dirk Werquin. "ESSP, as the EGNOS service provider, are proud that Spain has also started to benefit from the EGNOS service joining other European countries such as France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy."
EGNOS provides a cost-effective alternative to current ILS procedures offering similar performance without the need for extensive ground-based infrastructure.
"Spanish airports will shortly profit from certified EGNOS Safety of Life Signal," commented Ignacio Gonzalez. "With the signing of this agreement, AENA, which has from the very beginning been engaged in the development of EGNOS for aviation and pioneered the first ever LPV approach and landing procedure within the European Commission funded GIANT project during FP6, is now ready to provide EGNOS-based daily airport operations in Spain."
The northern airport of Santander will be the first Spanish airport to implement EGNOS procedures by this summer.
Service provider
ESSP is based in Toulouse France. Its main purpose is to implement a contract with the European Commission that entitles the company to be the EGNOS system operator and EGNOS service provider for the Open Service, Safety of Life Service and EDAS Service.
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