Also, our controllers at Cleveland Center have started issuing the "descend via" for optimized
profile descents into Cleveland and Detroit, a procedure that saves fuel and reduces emissions.
We have estimated that the benefits of this Metroplex will be a fuel savings of 3.4 million
gallons, or $9.7 million, and avoiding nearly 30,000 metric tons of carbon emissions per year.
The project has been a study in how to do community engagement well. We conducted
numerous public workshops and community briefings with state and local officials to ensure
they understood the project and why new procedures would be better than the status quo.
We also ensured that our team was fully prepared to use the new procedures, using simulators
and other training tools, so when we flipped the switch on the new design, we had only
minimal issues that were easily resolved.
This is the eighth Metroplex we've completed, and we have three more in various phases.
All of them require substantial collaboration with airlines, communities, labor representatives,
and multiple service units partnering with our Mission Support Services team. I appreciate all of
their contributions.
Thanks everyone!
Teri L. Bristol
ATO Chief Operating Officer
