EMMA KELLY / BRUSSELS
But reduced vertical separation is only a temporary solution, with capacity requirements likely to double by 2015
Eurocontrol introduced reduced vertical separation minima (RVSM) without major problems on 24 January in 41 European and North African states, paving the way for a 20% increase in airspace capacity by the summer.
But senior director ATM programme Wolfgang Philipp says, that with European air traffic set to double by 2015 compared with 1998, the extra capacity will "be eaten up in the short term", and plans for new capacity-enhancing measures, such as free-route concepts, are already in place.
RVSM, which went live at 01.00 GMT, reduces vertical separation standards between aircraft from the traditional 2,000ft (610m) to 1,000ft, between flight level (FL) 290 (29,000ft) and FL410. The move creates six new flight levels, allowing more aircraft to fly at cost-efficient cruising altitudes, saving fuel and reducing in-flight delays (Flight International, 8-14 January).
The first aircraft to enter RVSM airspace was an EasyJet Boeing 737 flying from London to Athens. By 13.00, more than 6,000 aircraft had flown through RVSM airspace, says Joe Sultana, RVSM programme manager. The only teething problems were that around 1% of flight plans were incorrect, and inaccurate use of phraseology, he says.
RVSM has cost €150 million ($132 million): €60 million spent by airlines on modifying aircraft and training pilots; €60 million invested by air navigation service providers; and €30 million on an aircraft height-monitoring system.
RVSM is expected to save €3.9 billion a year through delay reductions and fuel economy. Lex Hendriks, a unit head at Eurocontrol, piloted Romanian carrier Tarom's flight RO391 from Bucharest to London Heathrow on 24 January. The flight arrived 4min earlier than normal, saving $70 per minute ($280) in operating costs, and used 200kg (440lb) less fuel. With 10,000 aircraft flying above 30,000ft daily, around $3 million a day will be saved in direct operating costs, he says.
RVSM is part of a three-phase strategy for increasing capacity. Phase one will yield 40% morevia a revised air traffic services network, enhanced flow management and better use of resources. Phase two will produce a 20-40% boost through increased productivity and integration, while phase three (2010-2015) will lead to one sky for Europe and 20-40% more capacity. Free routes, whereby flights are freely planned on optimum tracks, will be introduced in 2005-6 in eight northern European states.
Source: Flight International
