This is a key step for the implementation of EGNOS-based approach procedures (LPV procedures) at this aerodrome located South East London that serves the executive and corporate aircraft market.

 The agreement was sealed on 27th July, 2015 by Thierry Racaud, ESSP CEO, and Peter Mirams, Head of ATS at Biggin Hill Airport.

 The signature of an EGNOS Working Agreement establishes the operational and legal framework to use the EGNOS Safety-of-Life Service as navigation aid. The EWA is the prior step to the publication of EGNOS based approaches (LPV procedures) performing similarly to ILS based procedures, but with no ground infrastructure.

 Up to this moment ESSP has signed 34 EGNOS Working Agreement in 25 different European states that have facilitated the publication of more than 250 EGNOS based procedures.

Thierry Racaud, from ESSP stated “we are glad that a new British Airport is now able to use EGNOS, improving airplanes approach performance and accessibility, especially in case of bad weather conditions”.

Peter Mirams, Air Traffic Services Manager at London Biggin Hill Airport explains the background.

“At present, runway 21 at Biggin Hill is served by an ILS system of 1980’s technology which is supported by a NATS-operated VOR/DME based on the airport as the back-up facility. Under NATS strategic forward planning, the VOR is scheduled for removal and this situation requires Biggin Hill to establish a new authorised  approach  procedure in replacement. Subject to CAA approval, a new GNSS / LPV procedure will be published shortly” he says.

 “The reciprocal runway 03 currently has no instrument approach procedure.  Commercial and flight safety considerations demand an upgrade and a GNSS / LPV procedure is now in the final stages of development prior to submission for CAA approval.  A mid-2016 introductory date is targeted” says Peter Mirams.

 Biggin Hill Airport actually serves the executive and corporate aircraft market. Many of the operators in this sector are already capable of utilising a GNSS LPV procedures.