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 proven successful, benefiting Denver International, Centennial, and Colorado Springs airports through improved routes and procedures.
Denver International Airport experiences substantial fuel savings (estimated $9.8 million annually) and reduced carbon emissions, alongside a 35% decrease in go-arounds due to Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) approaches.
Corporate pilots flying to Centennial Airport benefit from fuel savings, the ability to stay higher longer to avoid mountain-wave turbulence, and safer, more direct arrival routes.

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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.”