Scientists from the University of Reading found that last winter on commercial flights between New York and
New satellites will soon allow more accuratetrack transatlantic flights. This capability could allow aircraft to be more flexible in their flight paths to follow tailwinds and avoid oncoming gusts. This will help the aviation sector reduce emissions cheaply and quickly, without waiting for a technological breakthrough.
"Existing transatlantic routescause them to burn more fuel and release carbon dioxide than they need, explains Katie Wells, a PhD candidate at the University of Reading and lead author of the study. “While wind is considered to some extent in route planning, considerations such as reducing overall flight costs are now a higher priority than minimizing fuel consumption and pollution.”
Simple adjustments to flight paths are muchcheaper and can immediately benefit, scientists believe. There is an urgent need to reduce aviation emissions to mitigate the future impacts of climate change.
During the study, scientists analyzed about35,000 flights in both directions between New York and London from December 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020. The experts compared the fuel consumption of these flights and the fastest route that would be possible during the flight, with more accurate air flow accounting.
It turned out that taking advantage of the windit is possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 6.7 million kg during the winter period. Average fuel savings per flight were 1.7% for flights west to New York and 2.5% for flights east to London.
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