HIRO’S (High-Intensity Runway Operations)*
The term used in the aviation industry, HIRO, refers to minimizing the use of runway occupancy by aircraft during landing and takeoff to increase airport operations, resulting in reduced runway occupancy time.
Airports employ this process during peak hours or when they have single runways, such as Mumbai Airport, where both runways intersect, allowing them to use only one runway at a time. It reduces airport delays and shortens the time for taking off and landing.
How High-Intensity Runway Operations works
During this process, aircraft approaching land are advised by air traffic control to exit the runways as quickly as possible to reduce ROT (runway occupancy time). On the other hand, aircraft preparing for takeoff are advised by ATC to quickly line up and commence takeoff, also known as “turn and burn.”
HIRO also emphasizes the responsibility of the pilot in command to ensure safe flight operations and maintain the safest distance between landing and takeoff.
Airports implementing HIRO also benefit from reduced noise levels, fuel consumption, and lower CO2 emissions.
