Flexing the Airways

This article describes the newest development in a recent trend that has airlines designing routes to take the greatest advantage of tailwinds and reduce effects of headwinds. Airservices Australia Flex Track initiative has cut time on one flight that resulted in savings of 8,000 kg of fuel. Unlike earlier versions, the new versions are not designed mainly for air traffic management reasons. They also cross the Australian continent, which does not have radar coverage for much of the airspace. The system generates new routes depending on changing conditions, which requires close monitoring of aircraft locations and requires high performance from Air Traffic Control (ATC). The system is still operating as a trial in the post midnight hours. Airservices is also studying additional routes it can offer. A sidebar describes Airservices Australia's business plans. Future developments, such as new technology to enhance traffic separation, are also described.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00022543
• Authors:
  • Thomas, Geoffrey
• Publication Date: 2006-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Illustrations; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 46, 48, 50-51
• Serial:
  • ATW: Air Transport World
  • Volume: 43
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Penton Media
  • ISSN: 0002-2543

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air routes; Air traffic control; Airspace; Fuel conservation; Wind; Wind factor (Air navigation)
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Energy; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01024929
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 2006 7:55AM