Heathrow mixed mode operation trial
15.07.11
The Government has announced that it will allow Heathrow to use 'mixed mode' operations - where both runways are used for takeoff and landing - to clear a back-log of passengers during periods of disruption. The measure was set out in a report by the government's South East Airports Taskforce.
The airport is to run a two-stage trial involving aircraft departures on both runways at certain times of the day in a bid to improve ‘the resilience and reliability of the airport’. Currently, Heathrow operates an arrivals system during the first hour of flights during the day and at times of disruption called TEAM (Tactically Enhanced Arrivals Measures). This allows both runways to be used for landings. The report proposes the use of a similar system for take-offs.
The taskforce believes that the introduction of TEDM (Tactically Enhanced Departures Measures) would yield ‘environmental benefits, with fewer unscheduled night flights, lower emissions and less stacking (where planes queue up to land)’.
However, the taskforce said in its report: ‘Further work needs to be done to establish with confidence what their impact on local communities would be and the extent of the passenger and environmental benefits they could deliver. Before any final decision is made on whether these freedoms become a long term change to Heathrow operations, engagement and consultation with the communities affected and other stakeholders would need to take place.’
The trial will start in November, following discussions with local communities, and run until February after which there will be a four-month assessment. A second trial will run from July to September 2012, covering the period of the 2012 Olympic Games. Existing capacity restraints will remain in place.
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