Landing Approach System Reduces CO2, NOx Emissions By 20
Percent
Airlines operating Boeing 737s in Europe have been given the
"green light" to use an optimized landing approach that is designed
to significantly reduce the amount of fuel used during arrival and
approach operations, thereby reducing CO2 and NOx emissions by
roughly 20 percent compared to standard arrival procedures.
The "Advanced Continuous Descent Approach" (A-CDA), also known
as the "Green Approach," is the result of GE Aviation's Systems
division's (formerly Smiths Aerospace) participation in Europe's
NUP2+ project, where select 737 aircraft in Sweden are allowed to
employ GE's Flight Management System (FMS) to fly the aircraft at
idle thrust from cruise through landing, according to the
company.
"Our FMS on Boeing 737s is another example of how committed we
are to developing technology solutions that not only benefit
customers, but are also kind to the environment," said Dr. John
Ferrie, GE Aviation systems president.
"Given the issues we face with growing air traffic congestion
and increasing green house gases worldwide, the appropriate use of
FMS to help remedy the situation is a clear and valuable
option."
GE's FMS on the Boeing 737 features a 4-dimensional trajectory
downlink for use by air traffic controllers to manage traffic flow
using precision positioning and time guidance, known as Required
Time of Arrival (RTA), to the runway threshold. Combined, these
features enable the creation of flight profiles that are optimal
for operators as well as the environment -- increasing efficiency,
providing fuel savings, and dramatically reducing greenhouse gas
and noise emissions.
Scandinavian Airlines already uses the FMS for operations into
Stockholm. The carrier said its estimates annual benefits for
flights arriving at Stockholm Arlanda airport, could reach $6
million in fuel savings with an additional $6 million in cost
avoidance due to the increased efficiency and punctuality of
aircraft using the FMS.
Flights over the North Atlantic will commence during the latter
part of 2007, and will also involve aircraft manufacturer
Airbus.
"Our concept and technology facilitate the efficient
implementation of green flights and we believe that in the future
additional airlines will adopt our ideas and work methods to
include more airports primarily in Sweden and the Nordic region,
and also have a greater impact in Europe," said the carrier.
The carrier said it expects the Green Approach to achieve annual
emission reductions of more than 25,000 tons of CO2 and 87 tons of
NOx; comparable to the yearly emissions of 5,100 automobiles.
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