It might at first glance sound a bit obvious, but the fact that The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is working on moves to make flights straighter and quicker is the product of considerable effort. The fuel-saving measures could make European routes a few minutes shorter and take over fifteen off a London to New York flight. Airlines are desperate to cut their fuel bills as they are pinched by the twin forces of increased oil prices and falling passenger numbers.
Traditionally airline routes have to skirt around patches of airspace reserved for military use. Under the proposed arrangements civilian air traffic will be permitted to share airspace with military aircraft, allowing more direct flying. The average European airline flight is 30 miles longer than strictly necessary in order to steer clear of military zones. France is a good case in point with four separate military areas. It is estimated that 5% of the total airspace in Europe is restricted in the way at certain times.
Aside from these efforts, on which negotiations continue, airlines are working to cut costs in other ways. BA has started to carry less tap water to save weight and therefore fuel. No sign of them dropping the boxes of duty-free nonsense that they cart about so far, though.
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3 comments:
At risk of being boring, just checked a couple of our flights today:
Bournemouth to Faro: airways routing is 43 miles longer than the great circle.
Bournemouth to Arrecife: airways routing is 78 miles longer than the great circle.
Thats equivalent to an approx 20 mile deviation for each hour flown...thats an extra £80 of fuel per hour on a Boeing 737..or say £3 per seat on a flight to/from Faro. Doesn't sound a lot but most airlines would be happy these days to make £3 per head profit!
Although I am probably biased, the fuel saving in taking off tax-frees is far less than the average profit on sales.
Surprisingly, I am glad that this airport is giving an extra effort to cut costs for the passengers. One way or another, you are contributing a big help towards them. Continue this successful work!
Cabin Crew Training
Thank you for your article. It was interesting and informative.
Here I also want to suggest to your reader who usually travels from one place to another,
If you are thinking of converting your flight to British Airways, as per British Airways Flight Change Policy
,if your ticket is refundable, then within 14 days without any charges and extra charges, within the validity of the ticket, the passenger interrupted flight date may change before or after the flight date.
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