Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand
18 Sep 08
MEDIA RELEASE
For further information contact Manager Communications:
Bill Sommer
Tel: 04 560 9411 or 027 546 8216
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CAA targets aviation efficiency and environmental improvements
The Civil Aviation Authority is to establish a new Airspace and Environment Policy Unit to coordinate its regulatory work directed at harnessing the potential of current and emerging aviation technology.
The unit will develop a national Airspace and Air Navigation Plan in consultation with aviation stakeholders to guide the development and implementation in New Zealand of advancements in new air navigation systems. Development of a Plan will enable the CAA and industry to measure and mitigate the environmental impacts of aviation to help ensure the sector’s sustainability.
Known as Performance Based Navigation (PBN), the concept essentially signals a shift from ground-based navigation to satellite-based navigation. It means aircraft can be flown with greater precision along more simple routes to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise environmental impacts from aviation-related carbon emissions.
Although still in the early stages of deployment worldwide, the International Civil Aviation Organisation has signaled that PBN is the way of the future.
On Friday last week, Air New Zealand flew the first international flight using these concepts and technologies to maximise efficiency throughout all phases of the flight. The ASPIRE I flight from Auckland to San Francisco showed what fuel savings and emission reductions could be achieved.
CAA General Manager Government Relations, Planning and Strategy Simon Clegg said the new CAA unit would begin work on the national Airspace and Air Navigation Plan later this year.
“New Zealand has been a pioneer in the use of performance based navigation systems over oceanic airspace. The ASPIRE 1 Flight demonstrated the full potential of modern air traffic control technology and techniques. The new national plan will aim to yield similar benefits for commercial flights in New Zealand.
“In establishing this unit now, the CAA can ensure that the regulatory environment is prepared to integrate these new technologies and that New Zealand can harness the efficiency and environmental benefits that will arise from them,” Mr Clegg said.
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