United Airlines signed an agreement with the US FAA on 13 April that will see the carrier installing automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast (ADS-B) equipment on 12 of its Boeing 747s for use in passenger flights over the Pacific Ocean, initially on the San Francisco-Australia route.
By transmitting the highly accurate ADS-B position data over satellite links, the FAA says the airline will be able to benefit from decreased in-trail spacing as well as and time-saving altitude and route optimisations.
The agreement is one in a growing number of incentive programs designed to help airlines see the financial benefits of installing the next-generation GPS-based surveillance technology, says the FAA.
Most recently the agency funded US Airways to equip its new A330s with ADS-B software that will aid in the airport environment as well on transatlantic flights. Without ADS-B, carriers seeking better fuel economy by switching altitudes are required to gain multiple approvals from air traffic control.
Similar to US Airways, the FAA will pay for United's ADS-B equipment and its installation while United will cover the pilot training.
No timeline has yet been worked out for the installation and initial operations of the equipment, says the FAA.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
