Skyguide sets new standards for environmentally conscious air navigation services

Swiss air navigation service provider Skyguide has been recognized for its commitment to the environment: It is the first air navigation service provider in the world to achieve the so-called full maturity level 3 of the international environmental program "GreenATM" (more on this below). Skyguide is thus seeking to underline the fact that environmental awareness is an integral part of its corporate culture. This rating was awarded by the international air navigation services industry association CANSO. It thus recognizes skyguide's leading role in the sustainable development of air navigation services - both in Switzerland and beyond its borders. "This recognition is proof that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand in aviation," says Alex Bristol, CEO of Skyguide.

Flight paths play an important role

In 2023, skyguide became the first air navigation service provider ever to receive GreenATM recognition. The traffic routes on which air traffic controllers guide aircraft on a daily basis play an important role here. Whereas in the past a network of major airways criss-crossed the Swiss skies, on which air traffic controllers guided aircraft, pilots now have a much freer choice of routes. "For the airlines, this means that they can opt for more direct routes - and therefore need to refuel less fuel," says Bristol. This has a double effect on CO2 emissions: Shorter routes require less energy. In addition, an aircraft that carries less fuel is lighter - and therefore needs less kerosene.

Skyguide also achieved this first ecological recognition at the time thanks to its energy-efficient infrastructure and the environmental awareness of its employees in their respective activities. Further examples of skyguide's ecological commitment include

• participation in the federal government's "Exemplary Energy and Climate" initiative,
• the promotion of direct and freer route selection in air traffic
• the active involvement of employees and partners in environmental projects

"The 2023 award was just the beginning for us," Bristol looks back. After the classification, air navigation service providers must prove over a period of two years that they are sustainably strengthening their commitment to the environment. This is the only way to achieve full recognition at the respective ecological maturity level.

Drones instead of airplanes survey the navigation systems

Skyguide has further intensified its efforts since 2023 and has taken on a pioneering role, for example, when it comes to the regularly required survey flights. This involves calibrating
technicians, for example, the instruments of the landing systems at the airfields. "Where possible, we no longer use a survey aircraft for this, but rely on a drone instead," says the Skyguide boss. This is a measure that has an impact on the ecological footprint.

This ultimately led to CANSO being able to confirm the Swiss air navigation service provider's ecological maturity level 3 after successfully passing several audits - something that no other air navigation service provider has ever achieved, as Skyguide proudly announces. For CEO Alex Bristol, however, it is clear: "This recognition is undoubtedly an important step for us and reflects our commitment to sustainability. However, we don't see it as the end goal, but rather as a stage in recognizing ourselves and our pioneering work.
to develop further." Skyguide intends to further strengthen its commitment to more climate-friendly flight paths. Bristol sees potential for improvement in arrivals and departures, for example. "Instead of letting the aircraft ascend or descend like a staircase as they do today, we want to increasingly guide them on a continuously ascending or descending route," says Bristol. This will have a positive effect on fuel consumption.

Source and further information: Skyguide

GreenATM, an environmental standard for air navigation services

The GreenATM program was launched by CANSO in 2022 to make the environmental performance of air navigation service providers comparable worldwide and to improve it in a targeted manner by air navigation service providers exchanging information. It assesses how environmentally friendly air navigation service providers work - both in their own processes and in the management of air traffic. It examines 24 areas, including infrastructure, operations, energy consumption, procurement and governance. Independent auditors assess the participating air navigation service providers and classify their environmental performance into one of the program's five maturity levels. Further information: Green ATM Environmental Accreditation Program - CANSO