Feasibility Study Central De-icing Concept

airsight has been commissioned as a subcontractor to carry out a detailed assessment determining the suitability of new central de-icing concept at the existing airport site of Luxembourg Airport.

In general, de-icing processes at aerodromes are performed on stands or at dedicated centralised de-icing facilities. The implementation of a centralised de-icing concept represents a large investment, however it brings numerous advantages: i.e. the de-icing process takes place in closer vicinity to the runway (less critical hold over times – “HOT”), freeing up valuable capacity at the aerodrome as well as enabling a more efficient collection and recycling of fluids.

airsight specialises in airport operational and infrastructural planning , including de-icing facilities and processes. Notably, airsight developed a comprehensive study on the regulation of ground de-icing and anti-icing services at European aerodromes on behalf of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

For Luxembourg Airport, the proposed concept was developed in line with relevant international standards by ICAO and EASA as well as industry best-practice guidelines. The required number and area of de-icing facilities was based on an airport’s specific traffic profile. Particular challenges of this project were the high traffic density during departure peak and the large proportion of large cargo aircraft placing a high demand on the efficiency of the processes. airsight assessed the general feasibility and potential benefits of implementing a centralised concept and carried out an optioneering study on various location options to derive the most suitable solution based on all airport specific characteristics and constraints.

Luxembourg airport is looking at extensive infrastructural enhancements. The results of this study facilitate the decision process for such a costly investment and allow the airport to integrate appropriate implementation measures into the planning process.