Air Transport

New Zealand air navigation services provider Airways New Zealand is launching a trial this month of optimum arrivals for Air New Zealand and Qantas international flights into Auckland International airport.

From mid-April, Air New Zealand and Qantas Boeing 747 flights into Auckland will be spaced to allow a "glide descent" into the airport from the top of the descent point, says Airways New Zealand. Aircraft engines will be set at idle, significantly reducing fuel burn and emissions.

The service provider says the trial will establish the actual fuel burn for an arriving flight where there is no requirement for any air traffic control intervention, and determine potential fuel savings and emissions reductions.