The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched its new iFlex programme to enable airlines to reduce carbon emissions and burn fuel by 2% on long-haul flights.
The programme will validate all new flexible routes in real-time for notices to pilots, airspace restrictions and en-route weather conditions.
It will enable airlines operating a ten-hour intercontinental flight to cut flight time by six minutes, which reduces fuel burn by 2% and saves 3,000kg of CO2.
iFlex can be implemented across several ATC operators in day-to-day operating conditions.
Initially, the iFlex programme will focus on the South Atlantic and Africa, concentrating on the Johannesburg-Atlanta and Dubai-Sao Paolo routes.
Under a pilot project planned for 2011, flights will also be able to optimise routes by taking advantage of the prevailing weather conditions.
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