ENAIRE is a pioneer in the implementation of satellite navigation systems, building on its extensive experience in providing conventional navigation services. It is the second largest provider in Europe and the fourth worldwide to offer airlines, pilots and airport operators the GBAS (Ground Based Augmentation System) technology, which guides aircraft with maximum precision during the final approach phase.
Navigation
Since 2020, ENAIRE has been working on the development of Performance-Based Navigation, or PBN, which has involved a shift away from sensor-based navigation (VOR, DME, ILS, NDB, etc.).
The PBN concept is based on the performance that the aircraft’s onboard systems can deliver; to support its implementation, ENAIRE operates a comprehensive GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) performance and interference monitoring network at several airports.
ENAIRE also hosts and operates, on behalf of the European satellite navigation service provider, one of the two European EGNOS control centres, the satellite-based augmentation system, as well as five integrity-monitoring stations for this system.
As part of Spain’s air navigation infrastructure, ENAIRE operates a network of radio navigation aids and systems that support en-route, terminal area, approach and landing guidance for all traffic flying through Spanish airspace:
- DME (Distance Measuring Equipment): allows aircraft to determine their distance to the radio aid.
- ILS (Instrument Landing System): provides on-board guidance information for precision approach and landing.
- NDB (Non-Directional Beacon): emits an omnidirectional signal that indicates to aircraft the bearing from their position to the beacon.
- DVOR/CVOR (Doppler/Conventional VHF Omnidirectional Range): provides aircraft with information on the radial they are on relative to the transmitter.
- GBAS (Ground Based Augmentation System): satellite-based navigation system providing pilots with on-board precision guidance for approach and landing.
- MCC (Mission Control Centre): EGNOS Control Centre.
- RIMS (Ranging Integrity Monitoring Stations): integrity-monitoring stations for EGNOS.
- GNSS performance and interference monitoring network: network of GNSS receivers used to monitor the quality of satellite navigation signals.
With this equipment and infrastructure, and a highly qualified technical team, ENAIRE provides:
- Conventional navigation services: VOR, ILS, DME and NDB services.
- Satellite navigation services: GBAS services and support for SBAS service provision.
