Identifying Airport Opportunities for Increased Use of Delayed Deceleration Approaches

Delayed Deceleration Approaches (DDAs) minimize fuel burn by maintaining airspeed above the initial flap speed for as long as possible during approach. This lowers drag and engine thrust requirements, leading to significant reductions in fuel burn and emissions during the descent and approach phases of flight. Flight data recorder analysis suggests up to 37% fuel reductions can be achieved during approach by employing an ideal DDA, but that the majority of flights decelerate much earlier. Extensive radar data analysis for a range of airports is presented which provides insights into which airports (and operating conditions at those airports) could theoretically benefit most from increased DDA usage. In practice, there are barriers to implementation which may prevent full DDA usage at some locations, and these are discussed, along with planned next steps.