From inception to operational deployment, the point merge system integrates advanced technology and stakeholder collaboration, marking a significant milestone in enhancing efficiency and safety in Portuguese aviation.
The Point Merge System (PMS) was introduced to address the escalating demand at Lisbon Airport. Initially designed to optimize traffic management at both Lisbon and Montijo airports, the focus shifted exclusively to Lisbon after significant national strategic reviews. Implemented by NAV Portugal on May 16, 2024, this system aims to redefine the operational dynamics of Lisbon Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA), offering enhanced efficiency and improved safety in air traffic operations.
A key element of the PMS is the strategic use of merge points, enabling fuel-efficient and noise-reducing continuous descent approaches. This technique reduces the need for vectoring and ensures a smoother flow of arrivals, supporting the expected increase in aircraft movements without compromising safety standards.
As Lisbon’s airspace prepares for future expansions and technological advancements, the PMS stands out as a forward-looking strategy that aligns with global aviation trends and regulatory frameworks. This article traces the development, challenges, and implementation of the PMS, underscoring its critical role in modernizing air traffic operations and enhancing airport capacity and safety.
Background and Development
The decision to implement the Point Merge System in the Lisbon Terminal Manoeuvring Area was driven by a significant increase in air traffic, which strained the existing air traffic management capacity. This surge was especially evident at Lisbon’s main airport, Humberto Delgado Airport (AHD), where the limitations in handling peak traffic volumes became increasingly apparent by 2016. It was clear that a more efficient system was needed to accommodate the growing demand while enhancing safety and reducing environmental impacts.
The Point Merge System was chosen for its innovative approach to managing arrival flows. Developed through research and initiatives by EUROCONTROL and first conceptualized in 2006, it marked a departure from traditional vectoring methods by introducing a structured and predictable way of sequencing arrivals through predefined merge points. This approach promised to reduce pilot-controller communication, minimize fuel consumption, and decrease the overall workload for air traffic controllers.
The Lisbon airport system, composed of Humberto Delgado Airport and Cascais Municipality Aerodrome, addresses Portugal‘s increasing air traffic demand. As Lisbon‘s primary international gateway, Humberto Delgado Airport handles the vast majority of commercial and passenger flights. In contrast, the Cascais Municipality Aerodrome, traditionally a hub for general aviation, has undergone significant transformation post-pandemic. Previously focused on general aviation with some business aviation activities, Cascais Aerodrome has seen a remarkable surge in business aviation since the pandemic.
The aerodrome’s proximity to Lisbon, coupled with its less congested environment, makes it an appealing alternative that alleviates operational pressures on Lisbon‘s main airport for business aviation.
The complementary roles of these two airports enhance the overall airport system’s capacity to handle diverse types of air traffic, from commercial airliners at Lisbon‘s main airport to private jets and business flights at Cascais. This strategic diversification ensures robust system resilience and adaptability, crucial for managing current demand and future growth. As Lisbon continues to evolve as a vital European hub, integrating operations between Humberto Delgado and the Cascais Municipality Aerodrome is essential for optimizing airspace, improving traffic management, and elevating the quality of air transport services across the region.
Development and implementation
The implementation of the Point Merge System in Lisbon was strategically developed to integrate this sophisticated system within the existing infrastructure. Initial studies and simulations were launched in 2016 to address the increase in air traffic. At that time, the potential solution considered not just Lisbon but also Montijo as a possible location for an additional airport. The projected distribution of hourly movements planned for Lisbon was 46, for Montijo 24, for Cascais 2, and 2 for military traffic. By 2017, significant progress had been made in adapting the airspace structure, including the establishment of a dedicated arrivals sector. In 2018, the focus narrowed to developing the Lisbon-only solution, pending the development of a new airport. That year also saw the execution of real-time simulations that closely mirrored the final solution, refining the integration of the PMS. However, the global pandemic introduced substantial challenges, causing delays in the implementation as priorities shifted towards TOPSKY implementation, the new traffic management system, and resources were reallocated.
The final stages of PMS full operational deployment were marked by the integration of the Arrival Manager (AMAN) in 2023. This crucial step optimized the sequencing of arrivals by providing enhanced timing predictions, thereby increasing the efficiency and capabilities of Lisbon’s TMA and ensuring readiness for the PMS. In late 2023, the Government mandated the full implementation of the PMS by 2024, setting a definitive timeline for its launch. The complete rollout of the PMS was scheduled for May 16, 2024.
Technical innovations and challenges
The simulations conducted in 2018 played a pivotal role in advancing the development of PMS, resulting in a significant reorganization of the airspace.
This reorganization included dividing the TMA into eastern and western sectors and introducing a dedicated arrivals sector, thereby enhancing navigational efficiency and airspace management. Additionally, the redesign effectively segregated all Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STAR) from military zones and Standard Instrument Departures (SID), markedly reducing the potential for airspace conflicts and boosting overall efficiency.
The reconfiguration of the TMA presented additional considerable challenges, particularly necessitating the concurrent redesign of adjacent military airspace to accommodate these changes. In response, a completely new structure for STAR and SID was developed. This structure was designed to serve not only Lisbon‘s main airport but also the Cascais aerodrome, which has experienced a surge in business aviation activity.
Further enhancements were introduced to streamline operations at Cascais aerodrome. These included the creation of new STAR and SID, and the redesign of approach procedures to harmonize flight operations and enhance safety and efficiency. These strategic improvements underscore a commitment to optimising airspace usage and enhancing the operational capacity of both Lisbon and Cascais aviation facilities.
Coordination
A designated coordinator played a central role in steering the project, ensuring effective communication and alignment among various departments. Detailed tasks listings, schedules, and strategic Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control (AIRAC) date selections were critical in synchronizing the PMS implementation ahead of the summer’s higher traffic demand, facilitating a coordinated rollout.
Training
Training programmes were established for air traffic controllers (ATCOs) operating within the PMS environment. The primary objective of these programmes is to equip ATCOs with the necessary skills to implement the PMS effectively. This training includes understanding the new routes, procedures, and the system‘s impact on airspace capacity and traffic flow. It covers various aspects of operations, such as the use of new navigational procedures, changes in airspace structure, and the optimisation of traffic sequencing and management.
Implementing such an extensive training programme presents significant challenges, especially in terms of resource allocation, scheduling, and coordinating training sessions for various groups. These challenges require careful planning and management to ensure that training objectives are met without disrupting ongoing operations.
Operational training focuses on the practical application of PMS. This module includes extensive simulator training sessions where controllers can practice procedures in a controlled environment. These sessions are designed to closely mimic real-world conditions, providing hands-on experience with the system.
Specialised training for different air traffic services (ATS) units was tailored to their specific needs, including the control towers of Lisbon, Faro, Porto, and Cascais. Each unit receives training relevant to their operational roles within the PMS framework, ensuring that all parts of the management team are proficient in their respective functions.
Concepts and authority
The approach to the implementation process was shaped by five fundamental concepts: Operational, Users, Capacity, Training, and Transition. These concepts were instrumental in designing comprehensive information campaigns, structuring training programmes, enhancing sector capacity, and establishing technical prerequisites for a smooth transition between systems. By integrating these concepts, the implementation facilitated a well-rounded development of the system, ensuring all aspects were addressed holistically.
Introducing this new paradigm prompted early involvement from the national authority in the project’s lifecycle.
By participating in biweekly meetings prior to the formal approval process, the authority gained a deeper understanding of the project’s nuances. This proactive engagement allowed them to clarify uncertainties and gain insights into the project’s complexities, enabling the of fostering a collaborative environment for effective project oversight and decision-making.
Transition
The transition between systems was meticulously planned, encompassing three critical dimensions: software datasets, Arrival Manager (AMAN) configuration, and communication settings. To ensure data accuracy and correctness, a rehearsal was conducted one month prior to the full-scale implementation. During this trial, the main system dataset and AMAN configurations were tested.
Following this test, a rollback procedure was implemented to revert to the previous dataset if necessary. This step was crucial as it allowed us to identify and rectify any bugs or errors in the system, ensuring a smooth and reliable transition when the system went fully live.
Information campaigns
In preparation for the implementation of the Point Merge System in Lisbon, a comprehensive information campaign was conducted to engage and inform all key stakeholders involved in the transition. This campaign targeted a wide array of participants, including airport authorities, major airlines operating at Lisbon Airport, and the main operators at Cascais Aerodrome. The outreach effort also included the Portuguese Air Force, ATCO’s and Pilot’s associations, and the press, all playing integral roles in ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
The campaign presentations and Q&A sessions that facilitated deeper engagement and discussion. These sessions were designed to foster clear and transparent communication about the upcoming changes and improvements associated with the PMS. By engaging stakeholders in dialogue, the campaign aimed to address concerns and gather valuable feedback, crucial for the seamless integration of the new system.
One key component was the development and distribution of a detailed flyer. It served as a concise yet comprehensive source of information about the PMS, outlining its benefits, the expected impacts on daily operations, and the steps being taken to ensure a smooth transition. The flyer was distributed to all operators and interested parties, ensuring consistent knowledge and updates about the PMS implementation.
Through these coordinated efforts, the campaign aimed to foster understanding and cooperation among all stakeholders, setting the stage for a successful implementation of these innovations at Lisbon and Cascais airports. The journey of the Point Merge System from concept to implementation illustrates the intricate interplay of innovation, coordination, and adaptation. As Lisbon Airport moves forward, the PMS stands as a testament to NAV’s enduring commitment to enhancing air traffic management through advanced technology and stakeholder collaboration.