News: First Trial of a New Flight Procedure that Reduces Fuel Burn

Several partners of an Airbus-led project called CRISTAL ITP have successfully carried out the world's first in-flight demonstration of a flexible new flight procedure for oceanic airspace that saves fuel and reduces emissions during cruise.

The new In-Trail Procedure (ITP) procedure will enable aircraft to more easily perform altitude changes during cruise which can significantly improve flight efficiency, reducing fuel burn and emissions. Basically it works like this. When an aircraft is not at its optimal altitude, aircraft fuel consumption and emissions are increased. Also, as the fuel is burned, the aircraft weight is reduced, and the aircraft then needs to climb to maintain its optimum cruise efficiency. Additionally, favorable winds can be found at higher or lower altitudes.

The flight took place in late March using Airbus' own A340 test aircraft and an SAS A330, performing the trial in Icelandic airspace. Iceland was chosen since oceanic operations are monitored by radar thus ensuring the complete safety of the trial.

Source Non-Mobile: http://www.boarding.no/art.asp?id=31111

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