International Civil Aviation Organization SEACG/24 IP/10 06 08/03/2017 Twenty-Fourth South East Asia ATM Coordination Group (SAIOACG/7) Bangkok, Thailand, 06 08 March 2017 Agenda Item 3: Review of Current Operations and Problem Areas BANGKOK (VTBS) RUNWAY MAINTENANCE PROJECT (Presented by Thailand) SUMMARY This paper presents information regarding the runway maintenance project due to take place on RWY 19L of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport from 2 March 2017 until 3 May 2017. The project rendered RWY 19L usable only for departures with TORA 2,750 meters; although the initial impact analysis shows minimal disruptions. 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Referencing AIP Thailand Supplement A28/16, major runway maintenance project will be carried out on RWY 19L/01R at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (VTBS/BKK) from Friday 3 March 2017 at 0200 UTC until Tuesday 2 May 2017 at 1000 UTC. 1.2 To provide information to States present, as well as airline representative IATA, for the benefit of operational planning; this paper summarizes details of the project, air traffic management scheme, and possible air traffic flow management measure should it be necessary. 2. DISCUSSION Maintenance Area 2.1 The runway maintenance project will be carried out on RWY 19L/01R at VTBS/BKK, rendering the runway usable only for departures with take-off runway length available (TORA) of 2,750 meters. Figure 1 below shows detail of the maintenance area. 1
SEACG/24 IP/10 06 08/03/2017 Figure 1: Maintenance Area and Detail 2.2 Jet blast fence is installed during the maintenance operation and is designed to withstand 160 km/h wind. Taxiways B (between C1 to C4), B1, B2, and C3 are closed. Code F aircraft (A380/B747) shall taxi with reduced speed and strictly on centerline while on taxiway C4. Air Traffic Management (ATM) Scheme 2.3 Figure 2 and Table 1 summarize runway utilization scheme and expected VMC capacities for the different configurations. Figure 2: Planned Utilization Scheme
SEACG/24 IP/10 06 08/03/2017 Configuration RWY 19 19R/01L 19R 34 flights/hr 19L/01R 19L 26 departures/hr No arrivals Total Capacity 60 flights/hr RWY 01 01L 34 flights/hr 01R Not usable 34 flights/hr Table 1: Expected VMC Capacity 2.4 Based on historical information, it is expected that meteorological condition during the maintenance period will favor the use of RWY 19 configuration. In the case of a wind-shift requiring the use of RWY 01 configuration, Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) measures will possibly be required due to the severe capacity impact. Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) Considerations 2.5 Based on Slot Coordination schedule analysis and initial coordination with airlines, utilization of RWY 19L (TORA 2,750 meters) for departures is crucial determining factor for the need of ATFM measure during the maintenance period. Under an assumption that aircraft flying to destinations within approximately 1,300 NM from VTBS/BKK will be able to take-off on RWY 19L; the sample simulation of hourly runway usage based on traffic scheduled for Monday 6 March 2017 as shown in Figure 3 as follows: Figure 3: Simulated Hourly Usage 2.6 As shown in the figure, with the assumption on 1,300 NM as stated previously, it is expected that the queue for runway may not significant with a possibility of maximum 6 aircraft in line. It should thus be recognized that the more flights are able to use RWY 19L for departures, the less problematic situation will be. 2.7 Recognizing as such, Thailand (Bangkok ATFMU, AEROTHAI) has been coordinating with airspace users to assess their flights capability in using RWY 19L for departures. 3
SEACG/24 IP/10 06 08/03/2017 Thus far, the result has been promising with a majority of flights out of VTBS/BKK able to accept the short runway departure, barring adverse weather or strong tailwind condition. 2.8 During the maintenance period, Bangkok ATFMU will be able to provide expected delay information using internally-developed automation. Airspace users may contact Bangkok ATFMU for this information. Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) Planning and Execution 2.9 During the maintenance period, Bangkok ATFMU will carry out ATFM planning in a similar manner to that carried out for the Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM Operational Trial. to this paper provides a briefing on ATFM planning and execution during the maintenance period. Note that the briefing is the same as what AEROTHAI had already distributed to airspace users through IATA and direct contact prior. 2.10 Should ATFM measure be needed during the maintenance period, the potential measures anticipated are, in order of priority: 1) Ground Delay Program (GDP) via delivery of Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) 2) Minimum Departure Interval (MDI) 3) Minutes-in-Trail (MINIT) 4) Ground Stop Bangkok ATFMU Contact Information 2.11 During the maintenance period, Bangkok ATFMU can be contacted via the following channels: Bangkok Air Traffic Flow Management Unit (Bangkok ATFMU) Tel: +66 2 287 8024 / +66 2 287 8025 Fax: +66 2 287 8026 / +66 2 287 8027 Mobile: +66 8 1829 5256 E-Mail: atfmu@bobcat.aero AFTN: VTBBZDZX Web Conference Help Desk: https://aerothai.adobeconnect.com/bkkatfmu CTOT View Website: http://atfm.aerothai.aero or http://202.57.133.148 3. ACTION BY THE MEETING 3.1 The meeting is invited to: a) note the information contained in this paper; b) distribute the information contained herein to relevant units/organization; and c) discuss any relevant matters as appropriate.
Air Traffic Management during Suvarnabhumi Airport RWY 01R/19L Maintenance (2017) Maintenance Area 1. Reference AIP Supplement A28/16, effective from Friday, 3 March 2017 0200UTC to Tuesday 2 May 2017 1000UTC, runway maintenance work would be carried out on 19L/01R at the Suvarnabhumi Airport (VTBS/BKK) as depicted in Figure 1. Figure 1: Portions of 19L / 01R under Maintenance, Entrance and Exit 2. Based on Figure 1, remaining portion of 19L with TORA 2,750 m is 315 m away from maintenance area, equipped with Jet Blast fence designed to withstand 160 km/h wind. 3. Taxiways B (between C1 to C4), B1, B2 and C3 are closed. Code F aircraft (A380/B747) shall operate with reduced speed and stick to centerline / lighting while taxiing on taxiway C4. 1
Air Traffic Management (ATM) Considerations 4. Figure 2 summarizes Utilization Plan during the maintenance period: Figure 2: Planned Utilization during Maintenance Period 5. Expected VMC capacity for each runway under the two configurations are in Figure 3. Configuration RWY 19 RWY 01 19R/01L 19R 34 flights/hour 01L 34 flights/hour 19L/01R 19L 26 departures/hour No arrivals 01R Not usable Total Capacity 60 flights/hour 34 flights/hour Figure 3: Expected VMC Capacity for Suvarnabhumi Airport 6. Based on historical information, it is expected that meteorological condition during the runway maintenance period would be mostly favorable for RWY 19 configuration. 7. Special departure routes for ATR and other light aircraft has been prepared to de-conflict from other larger aircraft. 2
Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) Considerations 8. Based on Slot Coordination schedule analysis (Winter Season schedule as of 24 Jan 2017) and initial coordination with airlines, utilization of 19L (TORA 2,750 m) is crucial determining factor on the need for ATFM Measure during runway maintenance period. It is expected that aircraft departing to destinations within approximately 1,300NM from Bangkok should be able to take off on 19L, subject to airline confirmation. 19L (TORA 2,750 m) Utilization Planning 9. Sample simulation of runway utilization during the maintenance period based on assumption in para 12 is shown in Figure 4. Figure 4: Planned Utilization during Maintenance Period 10. Based on sample analysis in Figure 4, in the case there is no ATFM action, it is expected that there might be up to 6 aircraft in each hour waiting to use 19R (TORA 3,700 m) either airborne or in aircraft stand. 11. Accordingly, Bangkok ATFMU is establishing the following process to plan runway utilization during the maintenance period: 11.1. Bangkok ATFMU distributes Departure List based on Slot Coordination schedule as of 24 Jan 2017 to airlines. Sample Departure List is included in Appendix 1. Departures list will be distributed on Wednesday 1 February 2017. 11.1.1. Airlines based in Thailand will be contacted through Operations/Dispatch using similar Point of Contact as in Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM Network project. 11.1.2. Airlines not based in Thailand will be contacted through Ground Handling Agents to ensure coverage of all airlines operating at Suvarnabhumi Airport. 11.2. Airlines are urged to check flight ability to use 19L (TORA 2,750 m) for departure and indicate each flight s ability to use 19L to Bangkok ATFMU via e- 3
mail by Sunday 12 February 2017 while focusing on exceptions of the general assumption in para 8: 11.2.1. Departures to destinations over 1,300 NM from Bangkok that can use 19L (TORA 2,750 m) for departure 11.2.2. Departures to destinations within 1,300 NM from Bangkok that is unable to use 19L (TORA 2,750 m) for departure, thus requiring 19R 11.3. Bangkok ATFMU will consolidate intention to utilize 19L (TORA 2,750 m) and provide updated utilization analysis similar to Figure 4 by Tuesday 14 February 2017 during Suvarnabhumi Airport AOC meeting planned. Depending on initial results, re-runs of the analysis can be accommodated. 11.4. It might also be possible to provide expected delay based on analysis result in para 11.3. However, expected delay information will not be fully accurate due to absence of aircraft stand allocation plan and more precise En-route Elapsed Time for arrivals normally only available in Flight Plans. ATFM Planning and ATFM Measures Planned 12. Summary of ATFM Daily Plan (ADP) preparation and publication workflow is in Figure 5. Figure 5: ATFM Daily Plan Preparation and Publication Workflow 13. Bangkok ATFMU will carry out ATFM planning based on Common Operating Procedure (COP) agreed to within the Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM Network project as follows: 13.1. On each day before flight operations during the runway maintenance period, runway utilization plan, meteorological information and other information will be considered to determine potential balance between air traffic demand and available capacity. 13.2. In the case ATFM Measure is needed, Pre-Tactical ATFM Daily Plan (ADP) will be published on the day before operation to stakeholders involved via ATFM Units (ATFMUs) in the region. Sample ADP is provided in Appendix 2. Otherwise, empty 4
ADP will be published to ATFMUs. However, empty ADPs will not be further distributed. 13.3. In the morning of the day of flight operations during the runway maintenance period, Bangkok ATFMU will review updated runway utilization plan, meteorological information and other information to confirm need for ATFM Measure as in previously published ADPs. 13.4. In case the same ATFM Measures previously planned is still needed, no update email will be distributed to stakeholders via ATFMUs. 13.5. In case ATFM Measures is needed, but in revised form when compared to Pre-Tactical ADP previously distributed, Tactical ADP will be distributed to stakeholders via ATFMUs. 13.6. In case no ATFM Measure is needed, no ATFM Measure email will be distributed to stakeholders via ATFMUs. 14. Potential ATFM Measures anticipated are as follows, in priority order: 14.1. Ground Delay Program (GDP) via delivery of Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) 14.2. Minimum Departures Interval (MDI) 14.3. Minutes-in-Trail (MINIT) 14.4. Ground Stop 15. Geographical scope of potential ATFM Measures planned is summarized in Figure 6. Figure 6: Geographical Scope of Potential ATFM Measures Planned 16. Scale and scope of ATFM Measure planned and deployed depends on degree of demand-capacity imbalance. In case of small imbalance, GDP/CTOT and MDI may suffice. In case of significant adverse circumstance such as sudden unavailability of 19R (TORA 3,700 m), Ground Stop would be needed. 17. In the case GDP/CTOT would be deployed, Flight Plan and ATS message requirements will be in accordance to COP agreed to within the Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM Network project and ICAO Asia-Pacific Regional Framework for Collaborative ATFM, as follows: 17.1. Flight Plans (FPLs) shall be submitted at least 3 hours prior to Estimated Off-Block Time (EOBT). 17.2. Appropriate ATS message (Change: CHG message, Delay: DLA message) shall be transmitted in case EOBT or expected arrival time deviates by more than 30 minutes. 5
17.3. Appropriate ATS message (Change: CHG message, Delay: DLA message) should be transmitted in case EOBT or expected arrival time deviates by more than 15 minutes. 18. During deployment of ATFM Measure in accordance to ADP, ATFM planning web conference would be conducted to provide overall situational awareness. 19. Post-Operational Analysis will be regularly carried out to investigate actual runway utilization and effectiveness of ATFM operations to further enhance overall Air Traffic Management operations during the maintenance period. 20. Depending on result of analysis in para 11, runway utilization planning process may be amended to maximize ATFM operational efficiency. Tactical Operations 21. 19L will be primary runway for departures. Pilot in Command requiring the use of 19R shall notify ground control in advance when requesting en route clearance on departure from Clearance Delivery and inform Ground Control on initial contact. 22. Gate Hold Procedure will be implemented to facilitate departures. Departure interval used will be based on runway utilization plan. Accordingly, departures planning to use 19R (TORA 3,700 m) may expect more delay as the runway would be jointly used to support all arrivals. 23. Pilots are reminded that rapid exit from the landing runway enables ATC to apply minimum spacing on final approach that will achieve maximum runway utilization and will minimize the occurrence of go- arounds. In addition, runway occupancy time has significant impact on overall airport throughput for both departures and arrivals. Therefore, Minimum Occupancy Time procedure shall be strictly applied to ensure highest possible arrival and departure throughput. 24. It is suggested that aircraft in situation which may lead to blocked runway such as hydraulic problem, landing gear problem detected airborne prior to landing divert to Don Mueang Airport (VTBD) or U-Tapao Airport (VTBU/UTP), to ensure highest possible throughput at Suvarnabhumi Airport and to ensure highest possible emergency service support quality. 25. Airlines are advised against using Suvarnabhumi Airport (VTBS) as alternate aerodrome during the maintenance period to avoid expected congestions. 26. In the case of unavoidable flight diversion to alternate aerodromes, flights will be tactically managed. Contact Information Bangkok Air Traffic Flow Management Unit (Bangkok ATFMU) Tel: +66 2 287 8024 / +66 2 287 8025 Fax: +66 2 287 8026 / +66 2 287 8027 Mobile: +66 8 1829 5256 E-Mail: atfmu@bobcat.aero AFTN: VTBBZDZX Web Conference Help Desk: https://aerothai.adobeconnect.com/bkkatfmu CTOT View Website: http://atfm.aerothai.aero or http://202.57.133.148 6