New technology reduces aircraft emissions

Using modern satellite-based technology the aircraft can follow an optimized landing approach, and thereby reduce the aircraft's emissions by several hundred kilos of CO2 per landing.

New methods reduce the footprint

"We are continuously working on developing new methods to reduce our carbon footprint. Together with Avinor we wish to contribute towards new systems that will be a big step in the right direction for Norwegian and international aviation," says Thomas Midteide, director of communications for SAS in Norway.

The green approaches that are currently being tested are one of many measures Avinor, SAS and several other players presented in the report "Aviation in Norway - Sustainability and social benefit” last year.

"This technology offers new opportunities at airports where the terrain currently causes a longer flight path than optimal. In the same manner as SAS, Avinor works towards reducing emissions from the aviation industry, and this is one of several important measures to achieve this," says environmental coordinator with Avinor's aircraft safety division, Torbjørn Henriksen.

Automatic approach

SAS has Norway's most modern fleet and has the technical equipment to undertake such approaches. Most of the approach is carried out automatically by the aircraft, and it glides downwards in a perfect arc with idling engines during much of the approach. The pilots monitor the systems and take over the controls just before landing.

Saves both money and the environment

"This is doubly beneficial to us, we save both money and the environment," says Midteide. "We have carried out thousands of similar landings at Arlanda in Stockholm, but we are taking it a technological step further to reduce our emissions," he says.

"The effect on the environment is most important, but it will also allow Avinor to reduce investments in ground-based navigation equipment in the years ahead," concludes Torbjørn Henriksen with Avinor.

Facts:

• The test was carried out using a Boeing 737 Next Generation with two pilots from SAS and experts from Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority on board

• The aircraft took off from Tromsø Airport on August 11 at 00.30, and landed an hour later after carrying out a series of optimal approaches using satellite systems

• The procedure was the first of its kind with this level of navigational accuracy

• Tromsø was chosen because it is topographically one of the most demanding airports for the aircraft's systems. Compared to a regular approach, the test reduced the emissions by at least 300 kilos of CO2

• The approach procedure at Tromsø will form the basis of an international guiding material that may be used by airlines and aviation authorities prior to implementation

• Avinor willl prepare procedures for this type of approaches. The Civil Aviation Authority must approve the procedures that will be an international breakthrough in reducing emissions from aviation

• International aviation currently represents 2% of man-made CO2 emissions

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 12-Aug-09