ABSTRACTIn a high densityterminal area, speed control and radar vectoring are typically used to optimize the sequence and assure the spacing of landing aircraft for maximum runway utilization. Fuel conservative descent and landing approaches tend to offer reduced control capability to the extent that they depend upon relatively inflexible paths and rigid speed profiles. Under high traffic demands the loss in terminal controllability could adversely impact both airport capacity and fuel consumption through increased delays.This paper describes an approach for the ATC system in the terminal area to accommodate fuel conserving landing approaches. Analytical results are presented that illustrate the impact of fuel economic design on terminal controllability and airport capacity. Peak hour trade–offs between conserving fuel and maximizing runway utilization are also included in the paper. An analytical fuel consumption model is used to estimate the fuel benefits of lifting the 250 knots speed restriction below 10,000 ft. MSL, for both arrivals and departure