The Federal Aviation Administration has rolled out a satellite-based approach route for arriving aircraft at three airports around the Washington metropolitan area.FAA said Sunday airplanes that fly into Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airports will use the NextGen navigation system to perform optimized profile descents.
“The whole point of NextGen is to get air travelers to their destinations safely and on time, and this is never more important than during the busy holiday season,†said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.
According to the agency, OPD is a method by which aircraft descends at cruising altitude and in a smooth, continuous manner to the runway.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx believes the satellite-based air transportation system could help airlines improve on-time flight arrivals as well as reduce fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
Washington metroplex airports will also use NextGen technology for their departure procedure.
