ATC
European airports’ choice of MLS doesn’t mean ILS is dead
In February, London Heathrow became the latest European airport to opt for the microwave landing system (MLS) as its future precision approach landing aid.

In February, London Heathrow became the latest European airport to opt for the microwave landing system (MLS) as its future precision approach landing aid. The UK’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) ordered four Category III systems for Heathrow’s Runways 27R, 27L, 09R and 09L, all of which will be installed later this year. The NATS contract also included options for an additional 20 Cat III systems for installation at major hubs such as Gatwick, Prestwick, Manchester and Stansted and a further 20 Cat I systems for smaller regional airports.

Last year France ordered eight Cat III MLS installations for Paris Charles de Gaulle and other airports, following the lead of the Netherlands, which had earlier installed two Cat III systems at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. And in Afghanistan, the U.S. Air Force is currently operating six Cat II mobile MLS stations at undisclosed locations around the country.