The recent deployment of Pairwise Separation at Heathrow Airport marks a significant milestone in air traffic management. Part of Intelligent Approach (IA), this groundbreaking new way of separating arriving aircraft can increase landing rates, cut airborne holding, and help make significant carbon reductions.
With the latest deployment of the technology at Heathrow Airport in December, I sat with John Eden, Service Technical Expert for Traffic Synchronisation, and a key member of the project team, to discuss the intricacies involved, the challenges encountered, and how they were successfully overcome.
Can you tell us about your role in the deployment of the IA system?
John Eden: It’s been an incredible journey to be part of the team that brought the IA Pairwise to life. The past three years have been a whirlwind of challenges and triumphs. We faced obstacles head-on, and I’m incredibly proud of how the team came together to overcome them.
As the Service Technical Expert for Traffic Synchronisation, my primary responsibility was to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the IA system within our operational environment. This involved working closely with our engineering teams, with Leidos as our technology partner, algorithm specialists from Think Research, and most importantly, our air traffic controllers.
Seeing this world-first system seamlessly integrated into operations and already delivering benefits to Heathrow Airport is incredibly rewarding and it’s a testament to the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved.
What were some of the key challenges encountered during the implementation of the Pairwise system?
John Eden: Let’s be honest, adapting our systems for Pairwise separation was a real puzzle. We had to update our systems at both Swanwick Centre and Heathrow, ensuring they could seamlessly communicate with the IA system and provide the necessary flight sequence and spacing information. This allowed the controllers to receive earlier separation and spacing indicators, which was a key goal of the project.
None of this was an easy or straightforward task, but we tackled it head-on with careful planning, rigorous testing, and a lot of teamwork. Everyone stepped up, and together we made it happen.
How did simulations and modelling contribute to the success of this project?
John Eden: Throughout the entire process, from initial development to the final deployment, simulations and modelling were our guiding lights. Think Research used sophisticated modelling techniques to ensure the IA system’s adaptations were not only effective but also safe. Controllers, in turn, gained valuable hands-on experience through extensive simulator training, allowing them to adapt to the new system and build confidence in their abilities.
What has been the initial feedback from air traffic controllers since the Pairwise system went live?
John Eden: The initial feedback from controllers has been overwhelmingly positive. They’re really excited about the increased landing rates they’re seeing at Heathrow, a clear sign that Pairwise is delivering on its promise.
However, we know that this is just the beginning. We’ll be constantly monitoring the system and making adjustments to ensure it’s always operating at its best. It’s an ongoing journey of improvement, and we’re committed to maximising the benefits of the IA system for years to come.
What are the future plans for the IA system?
John Eden: The IA system is extremely adaptable. With over 3,000 possible items of adjustments, there’s plenty of room to fine-tune and improve it. We are constantly looking for new ways to improve its performance and make air travel more efficient and sustainable. This is a significant step forward, and we’re very excited about the future for Intelligent Approach and the benefits it can deliver for our airport and airline customers.
