New air navigation norms to save jet fuel

India's civilian airspace regulator is set to introduce new navigation norms aimed at conserving crores of rupees in jet fuel by accommodating more planes in narrower air corridors, said three officials familiar with the matter.
The new regulations are planned to be implemented in phases beginning March. In a recent presentation by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the regulator outlined a plan to reduce airspace between two aircraft to 80km (50 nautical miles, or nm) from 140km (80nm), an AAI official said requesting anonymity.
The new rule, when implemented, will allow more aircraft to fly within a so-called optimal range-high altitudes at which planes burn less fuel. Narrower air routes would also mean planes having to circle shorter distances in the air while waiting for landing clearances from airports, saving huge sums in jet fuel. "Circling over an airport for an hour costs more than '1 lakh per aircraft. Heavier the aircraft, more is the jet fuel consumption and, thus, wastage," said an Air India official, asking not to be identified. Savings in terms of jet fuel would come as a big relief for airlines as prices have been rising steadily.
21/12/10 Live Mint/India Infoline

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Dec 2010