Britain's plans to cut aircraft emissions by 10 per cent

Measures involved in meeting the new benchmark will include the overhaul of approach paths and a decrease in waiting times on taxi-ways. It is expected that the changes will result in a reduction of the amount of fuel needed on each trip by 10 per cent.

To introduce these new measures successfully, airports and airlines will need to work together. "We cannot do this on our own, even though we have set the target independently," said Paul Barron, Nats chief executive.

Nats is one of Britain's primary air traffic controllers for major airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick, while also being the company responsible for guiding non-military aircraft through UK airspace.

Air emissions are now responsible for over five per cent of carbon dioxide emissions in Britain. While fuel-efficient aircraft have helped to curb the problem, the reductions made by such aircraft have essentially been cancelled out by an increased demand for flights.

"The biggest efficiencies will come from flying less track miles, having continuous descent and smoother trajectories," Barron said. "To do that we need to work with neighboring airspace and develop new technology."

Nats will cooperate with neighbouring airspace to find ways to reduce track miles flown and altitude changes which are sometimes necessary when entering a different air jurisdiction.

 


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Jennifer Jones Editorial


18/01/2008



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