FAA Lauds Benefits of NextGen for Denver Area

Mark Phelps

Tuesday, October 01, 2013 at 10:46 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

NextGen implementation in the Denver metroplex has successfully improved air traffic management for Denver International, Centennial, and Colorado Springs airports.
Optimized Profile Descents (OPDs) at Denver International Airport contribute to significant fuel savings, an estimated $9.8 million annually and a 27.6 million pound reduction in CO2 emissions for United Airlines.
The new procedures have also enhanced safety and efficiency, leading to a 35% decrease in go-arounds at DEN and providing safer, more direct routes with fuel savings for General Aviation pilots at Centennial Airport.

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On the eve of the federal shutdown, the FAA posted an item on its website detailing the success of NextGen implementation in the Denver metroplex. That includes benefits to Centennial Airport, one of the country’s busiest GA facilities, as well as benefits to Denver International. Even Colorado Springs Airport benefits, with improved routes that avoid traffic conflicts with the Denver-area facilities.

Denver International Airport (KDEN), home base for United Airlines, stands to benefit most. After a demonstration ride using one of the 51 Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) approaches, DEN Airport Manager Kim Day said, “It was clear to me that the things we had implemented were having the effect that we planned.”