GRF becomes operational
Milan Malpensa airport chooses an automatic system for runway conditions monitoring
One of the main causes of accidents during airport operations is the aircraft excursion from the runway, caused by rapid changes in runway conditions. To improve safety in operations, the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization, member of the UN) has implemented the Global Reporting Format (GRF), a protocol shared by all airports for communicating runway conditions.
By choosing LSI LASTEM systems, Milan Malpensa airport (international code MXP) was among the first in the world and the first in Italy to equip itself with an automatic system for runway conditions monitoring.
How does the GRF work?
The Global Reporting Format was introduced in 2018 to establish a globally standardized methodology for assessing and reporting the surface conditions of wet or contaminated runways. On November 4, 2021, the GRF became operational all over the world, introducing the use of a new reporting model of runway surface conditions, the Runway Condition Report (RCR), issued by the Airport Operator and transmitted – through the AIS and / or the ATS – to the Flight Crew, who use it to determine aircraft performance. The key element of the RCR is the Runway Condition Code (RWYCC), a numerical code that describes the surface conditions of the runway as a function of the type, thickness and diffusion of the contaminant. The procedures for RCR and RWYCC processing are based on the use of the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM), a matrix that uses the track conditions detected on the ground as the main input and other information provided by the pilots.
According to the GRF, the airport manager reports a runway condition code (RWYCC) and a description of the runway surface that can be used by the flight crew for aircraft performance calculations.
An automatic system as a decision support
The automatic monitoring system adopted by Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) allows to collect meteorological parameters and runway conditions in real time. The data collected and processed are a valid help for the evaluation and the consequent assignment of the code in the GRF. The systems are complete meteorological stations with a network of sensors for detecting the conditions of the runways asphalt. The availability of real-time data from various zones in the take-off and landing area allows for a quick and accurate assessment.
Constant maintenance for maximum security
The automatic monitoring system adopted by Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) allows to collect meteorological parameters and runway conditions in real time. The data collected and processed are a valid help for the evaluation and the consequent assignment of the code in the GRF. The systems are complete meteorological stations with a network of sensors for detecting the conditions of the runways asphalt. The availability of real-time data from various zones in the take-off and landing area allows for a quick and accurate assessment.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GRF and why is it important for airports?
The GRF, or Global Reporting Format, is the international format used to assess and report runway surface conditions in a standardized way. Its main strength is that it provides a common language between airport operators, air traffic control, and flight crews, improving takeoff and landing performance assessments and helping reduce the risk of runway excursions.
Is the GRF still new or has it already been operational for some time?
Today, the GRF has been fully operational for quite some time and should no longer be considered new. For this reason, attention has shifted from simple regulatory adoption to the quality and speed with which runway conditions are detected, updated, and made available to airport operations.
Why is automatic runway condition monitoring better than manual monitoring in the GRF context?
In the GRF context, automatic monitoring is clearly better than manual monitoring because it allows continuous data collection, shorter update times, and more objective and timely information. Manual checks may still play a verification role in operations, but on their own they are less effective when runway conditions change rapidly or when continuous monitoring is required.
What are the advantages of an automatic GRF system integrated with weather monitoring?
An integrated automatic system makes it possible to correlate runway conditions with meteorological parameters in real time, improving assessment speed and data availability. This approach strengthens not only GRF compliance, but also operational safety, condition traceability, and efficiency in airport management.
What are the strengths of LSI LASTEM solutions for GRF applications?
LSI LASTEM solutions show their value especially when a complete automatic monitoring system is required. Their main strength is the ability to integrate runway condition monitoring and weather monitoring into a single architecture, with real-time data acquisition and more effective support for operational decision-making. This makes the solution particularly suitable for airports looking for speed, reliability, and continuity of control.