Arlanda becomes first European airport to introduce innovative curved air traffic approach for sustainability and efficiency

Swedavia and Luftfartsverket (LFV) have become the first in Europe to introduce a new air traffic approach concept, known as Established on RNP (EoR), at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The innovation enables aircraft to perform more curved approaches than before, marking a major step towards improving air traffic capacity, efficiency, and sustainability.

“For us, it is of course gratifying that Swedavia will be the first in Europe to apply the new concept for managing arrivals. Enabling more curved approaches is also the most effective way to support airlines in their transition work, in addition to facilitating increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),” said Susanne Norman, Director of Operations at Swedavia.

The new approach method allows more flexible and efficient arrivals by increasing the number of aircraft that can land per hour while reducing overall emissions. Aircraft flying the curved approach follow shorter flight paths, while reduced congestion on the main arrival runway cuts fuel burn and delays. Airlines, however, must have a special permit from their National Supervisory Authority to conduct these procedures.

Anna Granberg, Director of Operations at Luftfartsverket, said: “The modernisation of the airspace by Luftfartsverket shows how air traffic control can help reduce the environmental impact of aviation. The traffic flow into Stockholm Arlanda Airport becomes more efficient during peak hours, and arriving aircraft have shorter flight paths with reduced emissions.”

Airlines have also welcomed the initiative. Charlotte Holmbergh, Country Director Corporate Affairs at Norwegian, said: “We are very pleased with the initiative from Swedavia and the Swedish Air Traffic Control Provider (LFV) to implement new procedures that will increase the number of curved approaches (RNP AR – Required Navigation Performance, Authorisation Required) at Arlanda. Shorter approaches result in lower fuel burn and reduced emissions. Our goal is to reduce emissions by 30 percent by 2030, and more efficient flight operations like this are among our top priorities, alongside increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and continuous fleet renewal.”

Similarly, SAS has praised the development. “SAS welcomes all initiatives that help reduce fuel consumption, noise, and emissions. The introduction of the new approach concept is a step in the right direction towards a more efficient and more sustainable airspace around Arlanda,” said Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji, Head of External Communication and PR at SAS.

The EoR technique requires specially equipped aircraft, trained pilots, and authorisation from the relevant authority. Alongside its environmental benefits, the new system encourages airlines to invest in technology that enables curved approaches, helping to further minimise overflight of noise-sensitive areas.

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