Revised approach procedures to support optimal descents into Malta International Airport

Abstract

This paper presents a proposal for new approach procedures for the most commonly used runways at Malta International Airport, runways 31 and 13, as a basis to facilitate the introduction of optimal descents in Maltese airspace. In addition, a standard arrival, one from the north fromwhere the large majority of aircraft approach Malta, linking to runway 31 is proposed. The design, following ICAO recommendations, is described in detail. Current practice of aircraft inbound from the same entry point, observed using ADS-B recorded data, is also presented in a discussion leading to the identification of gains that could result from flying the proposed arrival and approach routes optimally.