Managing increasing air traffic in Georgia sustainably

Air traffic to/from and over Georgia has significantly grown in recent years with overflights having seen a 103% increase between 2019 and 2023 – among others due to the change of the geopolitical situation in Europe and the closure of Ukrainian airspace. Georgian air navigation service provider SAKAERONAVIGATSIA Ltd is working with EUROCONTROL and international partners to manage the impact of the growing traffic by optimising airspace design and procedures for more efficient traffic operations and highest levels of safety across the entire European air traffic network. The Tbilisi Flight Information Region (FIR) is at the forefront of this evolution with the implementation of the Free Route Airspace Concept, which allows for greater flexibility in flight paths and enhanced efficiency. Georgia’s three international airports—Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi— are closely involved in the collaborative project known as the Free Route Airspace South Caucasus (FRASC), which aimed not just at improving Georgia’s airspace but to also foster cross-border cooperation with Armenia.

The ambitious initiative was more than just a singular project; it was a comprehensive package of interconnected phases, each meticulously planned and executed over six years involving besides SAKAERONAVIGATSIA Ltd also the Georgian Civil Aviation Authority and aircraft operators. Each phase included real-time simulations and safety assessments including a joint safety assessment for the new Concept of Operations between the Georgian and Armenian air navigation service providers.

The redesign of the Terminal Manoeuvring Areas (TMAs) introduced separated RNAV Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs), optimising trajectories for arrivals and departures. The redesign of the TMA facilitates optimum Continuous Climb Operations (CCO) and Continuous Descent Operations (CDO) which contribute to further enhancing flight efficiency. In CCO, aircraft use optimal climb thrust and speeds until they reach cruising altitude. For CDO, aircraft use minimal thrust from the top of descent, maintaining a low drag configuration until the final approach fix. As a result of the project, aircraft can now ascend and descend seamlessly, conserving fuel and reducing emissions - a vital step in reducing aviation’s environmental footprint in the region.

One of the driving forces behind the initiative is Evgeni Tavadze, air traffic controller by training and team leader in the Airspace Design and Management Unit within the ATM Department of Georgian air navigation service provider SAKAERONAVIGATSIA Ltd. Asked about the implementation of Free Route Airspace and optimizing CCO and CDO in Georgia and beyond he said:

The collaboration with Armenia is set to deepen, with plans for optimised regional cross-border CCO/CDO operations expected to materialize by late 2025. This cross-border synergy not only promises smoother air traffic but also cements bonds between nations through shared goals and mutual benefits.