David Learmount/LONDON Julian Moxon/PARIS
Amsterdam Schiphol airport is studying a revolutionary runway windbreak system which could enable two environmentally acceptable parallel runways to be constructed. Meanwhile, the French Government has committed tentatively to a third airport for the Paris area, although it has yet to announce a site or planned timescale.
Schiphol's growth at present is constrained by environmentally sensitive government rules which force air traffic control to designate the runway(s) in use for their approach and departure paths rather than wind direction. There is sparse residential development to the north and south of the airport's western end, so if runways could be orientated the same way, new ones could be built. The problem is that the strongest prevailing winds are from the west.
According to aviation consultant Henk Wolleswinkel, who is working with Schiphol on the studies, calculations at present indicate that 25m (82ft) high steel or concrete windbreaks located 250m from the runway centreline could halve a crosswind, with turbulence reduced by making the barriers about 50% porous. North/south runways at Schiphol would be able to operate in almost all but the highest winds normally suffered locally.
Wolleswinkel observes that the new runways - about 1km (0.6 miles) apart to allow parallel approaches - could enable the airport to cope with traffic increases predicted for the next 10-15 years.
The commitment regarding Paris' third airport comes as part of a package of regional development plans revealed last month and ends three years of acrimony between the environment and transport ministries.
While officially none of the potential sites for the new airport have been revealed, five are known to be under consideration, all to the north or east of Paris: Rouvilliers, Chaulnes, Juvincourt, Vatry and Chateau-Thierry. A final decision is due after the forthcoming municipal elections next June.
Resistance to the airport continues, however. Objectors suggest the expansion of Charles de Gaulle airport instead. Development at Orly is hampered by restrictions on the number of movements.
Source: Flight International
