The aviation sector is increasingly dedicated to reducing emissions over the coming years, with new developments in engine technology, biofuels, and alternative power sources. Air navigation looks set to be the next area to offer savings.
Flights crossing the Atlantic are set to see more efficient operation with the introduction of new satellite-based tracking technology. There is more work to do through trials with the UK and Canadian air navigation providers, but if implemented, this could reduce flight distances and fuel-burn considerably.
Articles About Aviation Improvements
Aircraft Control Over The Atlantic
Air traffic control over the oceans operates differently from overland. With the lack of traditional radar coverage, aircraft are more spaced out by controllers. They cross the oceans using a network of defined tracks, known as Organized Track Structures (OTS), and report position at defined waypoints. This process has changed little for decades.
These tracks are optimized each day to take advantage of the winds, however, with the need for aircraft spacing and the inability to constantly optimize the route; they are far from the most efficient way to fly.
Introduction Satellite-Based ADS-B Technology
The alternative to radar-based tracking is satellite-based tracking. With the correct equipment installed on the aircraft, air traffic controllers can see the aircraft’s position, speed, and altitude.
This allows them to monitor aircraft tracks in real-time and shows deviations from standard routes. Reduced separation distances are also permitted.
Trials With UK & Canada Mark The Beginning
The UK and Canadian air traffic services, NATS and NAV CANADA became the first to use the satellite-based ADS-B system to monitor North Atlantic air traffic in 2019. Trials with this have been carried out throughout 2020, with the slowdown seen during the pandemic providing a good test environment.
Jeffrey Edison, a manager with NAV CANADA, explained in a statement how they would progress on from the trials:
“With the removal of the OTS, we expect these tests will provide conclusions regarding the effects on service delivery. It will position us to take the next steps to developing an approach for achieving more efficient routes over the North Atlantic and to deliver opportunity for major fuel and carbon emission savings. However, it should be noted that these are only preliminary tests and there is much work to do.”
Following more trials, buy-in needs to be sought from airlines for moving to a non-OTS management approach. Safe operating procedures also need to be validated. And there are more challenges to overcome with the incorporation of weather, winds, and jet-streams into traffic management.
Improving Efficiency Quickly
These changes to flight paths promise some fast results for improving efficiency. Other changes in the industry, such as a gradual move to biofuels and upgrades in engine performance, take more time and more investment to bring results. Major changes like switching to electric or hydrogen propulsion will take even longer – especially for larger aircraft. Air traffic and routing changes can be applied quickly once the technology is made available.
Significant Reductions in Fuel Burn
A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that optimal flight routing could reduce flight distances by up to 7.8% when flying west and up to 16.4% when flying east (although there are big variations in the gains).
This could save around 200km worth of fuel per flight. More trials are needed, though, to understand the savings fully. There are practical challenges, such as airlines and operators correctly determining fuel requirements when routes can vary.
NAV CANADA and NATS may be the first to get this operational, but there is potential for more service providers to follow.
Final Thoughts
Changes to long-established radar-based air traffic control procedures are always going to be challenging. But with successful initial trials over the North Atlantic and a strong desire from the industry for efficiency improvements, we are well on the way to seeing improvements. Airlines and private jet users alike will benefit from shorter routes and lower fuel use once this becomes mainstream.
