Fuel and Emission Benefits for Continuous Descent Approaches at Schiphol

This paper presents an analysis of the potential fuel and emission benefits of implementing Continuous Descent Operations at Schiphol International Airport, from cruise altitude to the final approach fix, for a large scope of aircraft types. Using historical data from on-board sources and ADS-B, fuel-optimal continuous descents are simulated using the total-energy model. By comparing the fuel consumption between historical flights and the simulated continuous descent flights, fuel benefits are found. CO2 emissions are then calculated linearly from the fuel benefits. The results show average savings of 92kg up to 500 kg of fuel per flight. For Schiphol, this results in a total of 39 million kg of fuel savings per, year leading to more than 123 thousand tonnes of CO2 savings per year.Control & Simulatio