High Intensity Runway Operations 

HIROs are used to optimise separation of an aircraft on final approach in order to minimise runway occupancy time (ROT) for both arriving and departing aircraft and to increase runway capacity. Expeditious exit from the landing runways allows air traffic control (ATC) to separate aircraft with the appropriate radar separation minimum during the final approach.

Arrival spacing will be adjusted in accordance with demand to make most efficient use of the runway and to reduce departure delays. ATC will consider every aircraft at the holding point as able to commence line up and take-off roll immediately after clearance is issued.

HIRO will provide environmental savings to airspace users in the form of reduced fuel burn and CO2 emissions, and reduced ground noise. This is based on reduced airborne arrival times and delays, and reduced taxi times as runway throughput increases.