DSNA consolidates its air navigation service in the lower airspace

The transfer of approach control service from the Grenoble-Isere operational unit to the Lyon-Saint Exupery operational unit has been successfully implemented since October 16, 2014. Located in the East of France, near the Geneva airport, the Lyon-Saint Exupery operational unit has provided 24 hour approach control service to four commercial airports : Lyon Saint-Exupery, Lyon- Bron, Valence et Grenoble-Isere since October 17, 2014.

Due to its size and its aeronautical history, France has a dense network of airports that’s unique in Europe, thus stimulating the regional economy. The ten largest airports handle about 85% of all commercial flights, whereas the others handle fewer flights with many constraints in terms of service continuity and time windows. 

Furthermore, commercial activity is weak at airports working with a single operator.
The transfer of approach control service from Grenoble-Isere to Lyon-Saint Exupery is an example of DSNA’s efforts to consolidate air navigation service and to manage the economic fluctuations of air transport with greater efficiency. DSNA aims to provide the best service at the best cost by optimizing the use of its human resources, both qualitatively and quantitatively, by fine-tuning the level of the ATCO’s qualifications according to control center activity and by maintaining their skills with heavy traffic.

Maurice Georges, director of the French Air Navigation Service Provider (DSNA), said: “Implementing a more efficient organisation of our air traffic management in the lower airspace is our objective so that the French model can offer quality and competitive services to all our operational partners and customers”.