With the number of foreign airlines running into Melbourne with no high speed, I reckon YMML ATC do a great job.
It is uncommon to not be lined up 5nm in trail.
The system and strategic flow could be better, but while we have commercial interests, schedules, passengers and machines, the situation is always dynamic and the present flexibility seems a compromise.
In my humble opinion, airlines reps should be based in the same room as those controlling the COBT's, with COBT's being more dynamic to the situation at the field on the day and this information relayed directly to the tower rather than the present Chinese whispers setup.
If traffic is backing up, COBT's should be pushed back. While slot availability should be predicated on the actual and expected arrival rates, managing real time.
It amazes me that the arrival rate increases or decreases prior to approach control, aircraft are entering holding patterns,, yet our COBT's are not dynamic.
Last edited by Bula; 11th Dec 2016 at 03:49.