World ATM Congress 2014, Madrid — Airbus ProSky’s Metron Aviation division has been awarded a contract by Aerocivil Colombia Air Navigation Services to deploy the Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) system “Metron Harmony” to improve the operational efficiency of Colombia’s national airspaces. This will also enable a “Collaborative Decision Making” (CDM) process allowing stakeholders to share a common view of air traffic flow operations in real time.

The Colombian aviation industry is one of the key markets in Latin America and requires advanced and innovative ATFM systems in order to optimize the management of the inbound flights and avoid airspace saturation for the benefit of the whole industry stakeholders and passengers.

Mauricio Corredor, Director of ATFCM Group, Aerocivil Colombia Air Navigation Services, of Aerocivil said: “The Civil Aeronautics of Colombia, as part of ATM system modernization, has decided to acquire the automated Air Traffic Flow Management System from Metron in order to address the growing demand for service by users of the air transportation in Colombia. The core ATFM principles, enabled with Metron Harmony, will ensure the most efficient use of resource capacity and the highest levels of mobility and air connectivity that will meet user needs. In addition to the fuel and emission reductions benefits seen in other countries of ATFM implementation, the system will also support our strategic regional strategy of sharing operational data between the ICAO North America and Latin America regions.”

Paul-Franck Bijou, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus ProSky added, “We are delighted to be selected by Aerocivil for such an strategic deployment. Colombia, as one of the fastest growing air traffic markets needed a proven in-service system along with supplier professional implementation experience. We are honoured to be recognized by Aerocivil as the leading expert on such a key system of Air Traffic Flow Management Modernization”.

The deployment of Harmony in other regions of the world has already demonstrated a tremendous improvement in reducing flight airborne holding times together with a positive impact on noise and carbon emissions. As an example, airlines using El Dorado airport as their main hub, will minimize their fuel consumption and optimize their operations, both in terms of efficiency and passenger’s experience. According to Airbus estimates, in Latin America and the Caribbean, fuel typically represents between 30% and 50% of total operating costs of an airline.

Airbus ProSky, the Air Traffic Management (ATM) subsidiary of Airbus, is dedicated to improving the performance of global ATM. Comprised of recognized subject matter experts and offering intelligent ATM solutions, Airbus ProSky works with stakeholders to maximize efficiency, capacity and environmental sustainability.