MLS approval

has received UK approval for its microwave landing system (MLS) following a partnership to provide the system on

’s Heathrow Airbus single-aisle fleet.

The MLS has been designed to increase efficiency on aircraft approach and has gained regulatory approval following 100 automatic landings, with the MLS working on both the ground and on board the aircraft.

According to the company, its system is a world first and will allow more flights to land safely in difficult weather conditions and where there is increased interference from buildings or objects on approach.

In addition, the group claims that the use of the technology will have a positive impact on the environment, with every minute gained on a flight representing a saving of 160kg in CO₂ emissions.

Paul Kahn, managing director of Thales’s nav­igation and airport solutions business, said: ‘This latest certification has enabled British Airways to become the first airline to benefit from a system that will simultaneously increase capacity and safety, while also providing important environmental benefits. We have developed a world-class solution that we are confident other airlines and airports will view as a valuable opportunity.’

Separately, Thales has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide support solutions for electronic-warfare (EW) equipment fitted to the UK Royal Navy's warship and submarine fleets.

Under the agreement, Thales will provide a combined sonar and EW warfare support service to the Royal Navy's frontline fleet, which will include Invincible-class aircraft carriers, Type 23 and Type 22 frigates and Type 42 destroyers.

Victor Chavez, deputy chief executive of Thales UK, said: ‘In contracting for the enhanced CLS service, the MoD has recognised the innovative approach that Thales UK brings to warship support by drawing together different parts of our business. The fact that the contract concerns different MoD project teams is also a significant step towards a comprehensive through-life capability management approach.’

The programme will be managed by a combined MoD and industry team based in Abbey Wood in Bristol. Additional teams will be based at the Portsmouth, Devonport and Faslane naval bases.