By integrating a number of innovative technologies, NextGen enhances safety, reduces minutes off flight times and reduces emissions. The particular focus of this new generation of technology is based on the efficient monitoring of departing flights, minimal taxi times, precision flight path and direction, GPS-enabled technologies and advanced flight data (wind speed, traffic, destination and weather information). Moreover, this system provides access and safety benefits for both large and small general aviation airports and will provide new capabilities as the effort progresses.
In anticipation of future air traffic growth, NextGen capabilities will help commercial airports accommodate the demand for additional capacity in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. For example, the sharing and use of newly available surface surveillance data to track aircraft and vehicles will enhance safety and enable airports to make better use of existing capacity. While airport surface improvement is one of the main near-term areas of emphasis, work is also underway on other initiatives, such as improving operations on closely spaced parallel, converging and intersecting runways.
Overall, from a customer experience, NextGen technology will reduce and prevent flight delays and traffic accidents, while from an environmental perspective, the landing procedures will require less fuel and produce less noise.