Satellite-based instrument landing system introduced at Melbourne Airport

An aircraft landing system known as SmartPath has been activated at Melbourne Airport with the new installation being the second of its type in the southern hemisphere.

The SmartPath technology (otherwise known as a Ground Based Augmentation System, GBAS) is a precision approach and landing system allowing suitably equipped aircraft to land in low visibility conditions.

The technology improves the accuracy of positioning aircraft on approach to an airport and guides them along a predictable, precise landing path by correcting reporting from Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and transmitting data directly to an aircraft’s flight management system.

Airservices Executive General Manager Air Navigation Services Stephen Angus said the implementation of SmartPath at Melbourne Airport was part of Airservices continuing focus on technology and performance. SmartPath was first installed at Sydney Airport in 2014.

“The integration of SmartPath both at Sydney and Melbourne Airports highlights Airservices commitment to embracing Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) technology which deliver higher performance services to our customers,” Mr Angus said.

Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Simon Gandy said Melbourne Airport welcomed the move towards more effective and reliable forms of aircraft navigation utilising satellite-based technology.

“GBAS can provide a more resilient system for all runway approaches at Melbourne Airport, providing airlines and air travellers an enhanced level of service particularly when the airport is experiencing poor weather conditions,” Mr Gandy said.

The benefits of GBAS at other locations have included more efficient descent and landings as well as less flight disruptions and improved airport capacity from accurately guided, simultaneous operations.

Airservices continues to work with the airline industry to encourage increased rates of installation of SmartPath-capable avionics.

A video of GBAS is available on Airservices YouTube channel, AirservicesTV.

Posted on: May 31, 2017

More news
Related topics

Airservices provides safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible services to the aviation industry.

Airservices Australia updates timing of enhanced air traffic services at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport

Airservices Australia has revised the timing of the implementation of controlled airspace at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. In order to safely accommodate the continued growth of air traffic in the region, Ballina airspace will transition from the current uncontrolled airspace – where pilots self-separate using visual observation, communication procedures and flight information provided by Airservices– […]

Airservices Australia Releases Australian Aviation Network Overview Financial Year 2025

Airservices Australia has released its Australian Aviation Network Overview Financial Year 2025 report covering trends in the Australian aviation sector. Key highlights for FY2025 include: About AirservicesAirservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for safely and efficiently managing air traffic in 11 per cent of the world’s airspace, as well as the provision of aviation rescue […]

Airservices Australia expands user-preferred routing trial to enable quicker flights, fuel and emission savings

Airservices Australia has expanded its Asia-Pacific regional trial of cross boundary user-preferred routes, building on the success of the first phase, in delivering shorter travel times, fuel savings and carbon emissions reductions for participating airlines. The initial 11-month user-preferred routing (UPR) trial saw Airservices collaborate with the national air navigation service providers (ANSPs) of Indonesia, […]

Airservices Australia Releases May Australian Aviation Network Overview 

Airservices Australia has released its Australian Aviation Network Overview report for May 2025. About AirservicesAirservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for safely and efficiently managing air traffic in 11 per cent of the world’s airspace, as well as the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We are regulated by the Civil […]