Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is set to implement a significant change on October 3, 2024. The airport’s two runways will receive new designations, marking an important and interesting update.
The runway designators, which are required for navigation, are set to change. The north runway 25R/07L will become 24R/06L. The south runway 07R/25L will become 06R/24L.
This change, while seemingly minor, highlights the dynamic nature of our planet. Constant movement in the Earth’s magnetic field has necessitated the adjustment.
Why the Change?
The Earth’s magnetic field is in constant flux, causing the North Pole to shift several kilometers annually.
This movement affects runway designations worldwide, as they are aligned with the compass rose. When the variation becomes too significant, air traffic control mandates a name change to ensure accurate navigation.
What’s Changing at BER?
The northern runway, currently 25R/07L, will become 24R/06L. Similarly, the southern runway, now 07R/25L, will change to 06R/24L. While the informal names for these runways remain unchanged, the new designators are crucial for flight operations and air traffic control purposes.
Impact on Operations
Despite the renaming, approach and departure routes will remain unaltered. However, the change is fundamental for coordination among all stakeholders on the ground and in the air.
Preparations for this transition began last year, involving close collaboration with partners like Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS) and various airlines.
Implementing the Change
The airport has been busy preparing for this transition:
- Runway re-marking began on September 25
- Airport authorities will replace signs on aprons and taxiways
- All relevant documents, IT systems, and registers are being updated
- The airport will recalibrate the instrument landing system and meteorological equipment.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport: A History of Challenges
The runway renaming is just the latest chapter in BER’s complex history. The airport, which opened in 2020, faced numerous delays and setbacks during its construction.
Initially planned to open in 2011, BER became infamous for its prolonged development process, which spanned nearly a decade longer than anticipated.
These delays were attributed to various factors, including:
- Construction defects
- Poor planning and management
- Financial difficulties
Despite these challenges, Berlin BER has since established itself as a crucial hub for air travel in the region. The upcoming runway renaming highlights the airport’s ongoing operational and procedural processes.
This latest procedural change serves as an interesting reminder of the intricate relationship between our planet’s natural processes and the complex world of aviation.
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