The new reporting system called “Global Reporting Format” (GRF) is intended to give pilots in particular a more reliable assessment of the correct performance of the aircraft during take-off and landing. Hamburg Airport is the first airport in Germany to use a new system that automatically records the runway status.

The International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO has issued a new guideline to increase safety in air traffic. Since August 2021, European airports have had to report and evaluate the weather-related runway condition in detail all year round. Finally, reporting only had to be carried out as part of the winter service. With the new requirements, airports are obliged to report wet runway conditions due to rain.

Hamburg Airport has invested in implementing the new regulations: new mobile road weather sensors from Ott Hydromet were purchased for around 20.000 euros. The HAM is the first airport in Germany to work with this new type of system. In addition to Hamburg Airport, Milan-Bergamo Airport in Italy is also using the new technology.

"We are very pleased that we at Hamburg Airport are at the forefront when it comes to using this new technology," says Dirk Behrens, Head of Aviation at Hamburg Airport. “Air traffic safety is always the top priority. The new reporting system gives the pilots even more detailed information about the condition of the runways so that take-offs and landings can be optimally aligned with them. "

Function of the new system at Hamburg Airport

The runway condition is recorded with the help of a sensor attached to one of the airport's control vehicles. The “MARWIS” sensor records the condition of the runways during regular inspection drives over the runway. The system, which was originally developed for the road maintenance company, was able to be further developed by the manufacturer for use on runways. The software, which has been specially adapted for this purpose, compiles a report for the employee responsible for ascertaining the condition of the slope after the inspection drive has been completed. This information is passed on directly to air traffic control, which in turn is in constant communication with the pilots.