Emissions cut by 35 percent with new procedures
July 26, 2010, 05:27 pm
A new set of flight procedures being tested by Alaska Airlines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has resulted in slashing fuel consumption by 35 percent. According to the airline, the new procedures that are part of the "Greener Skies" project could ultimately save 2.1 million gallons of fuel a year.
By utilizing a satellite-based technology, Required Navigation Performance, Alaska Airlines has been able to test more fuel-efficient landing procedures.
Alaska's chief operating officer Ben Minicucci says that testing the flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is ideal and could be used as a model for other companies.
"Seattle has the highest percentage of advanced RNP-equipped planes in the nation, and - working with the FAA - Alaska Airlines, Boeing and the Port of Seattle are committed to making 'Greener Skies' a reality as soon as possible," says Minicucci. "Ultimately this project could serve as a blueprint for next-generation aviation technology throughout the country."
Air pollution caused by planes has garnered attention from many people. David Holzman wrote an article in Environmental Health Perspectives asserting that airports are responsible for most local air pollution. He pointed to idling aircraft and taxiing planes as the culprits.
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