Continuous Climb Operations

The term Continuous Climb Operations CCO describes a procedure whereby the aircraft reaches its cruising level without leveling off. It often follows departure routes which are curved due to noise abatement requirements and is influenced by aspects such as weather conditions and aircraft performance. CCOs bring financial and environmental benefits by reducing fuel burn, aircraft gas emission and noise emissions, however there is no standard definition available.

FABEC achieves almost optimal CCO usage within its airspace. The so-called Fuel CCO starting at 1800 feet above ground level to Top of Climb is used by more than three-quarters of all flights. The execution rate of the so-called CCO Noise procedure is 96 percent of the optimum possible.