Florida airspace to reduce aircraft emissions

In a bid to reduce aircraft emissions, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), has announced a collaborative scheme with NextGen.

As well as being environmentally friendly, the scheme also intends to increase safety and efficiency for passengers and flight controllers flying in and out of all of Florida’s major airports. 

Because Florida has so many major airports, including Miami, Orlando and Tampa, the modernisation programme intends to improve the flow of air traffic into and out of these airports.

This is part of a wider programme which helps to improve time efficiency of airports as well as reducing emissions generated by aircrafts.

A metroplex (a region with several airports serving major metropolitan areas) requires a scheme such as this because heavy airport traffic and environmental factors hinder the efficient movement of air traffic.

Acting federal aviation administrator Michael Huerta, who announced the collaboration at JetBlue University on September 20th, believes that the scheme will improve life for the flying public and the national economy, seeing it as a testament to the benefits that can be gained when the public and private sectors collaborate.

“We’re excited about the improvements NextGen is bringing to Florida. The end result for travellers will be fewer delays, quicker flights and an even safer, greener flying experience.”

The true extent of the green benefits is predicted by the FAA - who estimates that 8,000,000 gallons of fuel will be saved annually, which equates to a reduction in carbon emissions by nearly 80,000 metric tons.

In order to streamline airspace and reduce emissions, the Florida Metroplex will create separate flight tracks for departures and arrivals. The flight tracks will also be shorter, which would make them more direct. Finally, routes will be developed that enable general aviation traffic to fly more efficient routes through congested airspace.

Involved in the partnership are the FAA, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, US Airways, NetJets and other aviation stakeholders including business and general aviation interests.

Posted by Claire Manning