Nationwide network of green flight paths - a world first
25-Jun-2009 |
Airservices Australia and Naverus have signed a contract that will lay the foundation for the worlds’ first nationwide Performance-based Navigation (PBN) network, delivering significant reductions in aircraft emissions and noise, reduced flight miles and substantial fuel savings.
Airservices CEO Greg Russell and Naverus CEO Steve Forte explained that the initiative was the first of its kind in the world to more than 170 world air traffic control delegates who gathered yesterday at the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) Annual General Meeting in San Diego, California.
In a groundbreaking move, Airservices Australia, the national air traffic control organization, and Naverus, a global PBN solutions provider, will develop Required Navigation Performance (RNP) procedures (a form of Performance-based Navigation) for arrival and departure flight paths at up to 28 major airports around Australia over the next five years.
Appropriate collaboration and consultation will occur with all affected stakeholders, including the community, in the development of these environmentally friendly procedures.
The program could create a reduction of 122 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions and save 39 million kg of fuel per year based on actual flight-trial experience at Brisbane, Mr. Russell and Mr. Forte said.
All airlines whose aircraft are appropriately equipped and certified will be able to take advantage of the new RNP procedures, they added.
The new RNP procedures will be similar to those designed by Naverus for the 2007 Brisbane Green Trial, conducted by Airservices and Qantas. These procedures are saving, on average, 2.6 minutes of flying time, 125kg of fuel and 390kg of CO₂ per flight compared to standard approach procedures into Brisbane Airport.
Mr Russell said, "This application of these procedures will allow us to deliver benefits to the aviation industry and the community through improvements in aviation safety and efficiency and environmental impact.”
Naverus CEO Steve Forte said the company was delighted to continue its partnership with Airservices on a leading environmental initiative.
Mr Forte said, “Reducing the impact of aircraft on the environment is a priority worldwide for all elements of the aviation industry. We’re looking forward to working with Airservices to roll out this technology and the benefits it can offer.”
(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 25-Jun-09
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Nationwide network of green flight paths - a world first 
