Sunday, April 21, 2024
In the near future, Cologne Bonn Airport will rebrand two of its three runways, a change after over six decades. Effective Thursday, April 18, 2024, the main runway will be designated as 13L/31R, while the secondary runway will adopt the label 13R/31L. However, the crosswind runway, identified as 06/24, will retain its existing name. These designators will be clearly marked on the runways, aiding pilots during approach. Notably, the primary intercontinental runway has held its title since 1961, with the parallel runway predating even further.
“The names of the runways in international air traffic are based on the compass rose. The number indicates the angle of the runway in relation to the geomagnetic north pole,” explains Markus Moi, Head of Flight Operations at Cologne Bonn Airport, who is coordinating the renaming.
As the Earth’s magnetic field is in motion, the North Pole shifts by several kilometers every year. “This leads to minimal deviations in the decimal point range, which are tolerated. However, if the deviation becomes too large, German air traffic control decides to change the name,” explains Moi. The crosswind runway, which was called 07/25 when it opened in 1954, was therefore also renamed 06/24 in 2006. There are no changes to the approach and departure routes as a result of the renaming. These remain identical.
The process of replacing signs and markings has commenced promptly. Until the deadline, both runways will retain their current designations as 14L/32R and 14R/32L. The renaming project, undertaken amidst ongoing operations, involves multiple departments such as Civil Engineering, Flight Operations, Airport Training Center, Geodata/Documentation, Safety & Compliance, and Electrical Engineering. German Air Traffic Control (DFS) is a key collaborator in this endeavor.
Numerous adjustments will be made across airport operations in conjunction with the renaming initiative. Recalibration of the instrument landing system, updates to IT systems and meteorological equipment, and revisions to documents such as the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and the “Aerodrome Manual” are among the tasks to be completed.
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Sunday, April 21, 2024
