New short-cut flight paths over Auckland promising to reduce carbon dioxide emission, burn less fuel and fly more quietly have been confirmed.
Two of Auckland Airport's smart flight paths using satellite-based navigation approaching Auckland from the north and a third from the south will be used from mid-2015.
The satellite guided flight approaches, which is a joint project between the Auckland Airport, Airways New Zealand and the Board of Airline Representatives, have been altered following feedback from concerned residents earlier this year who argued the aircraft were flying too low and were too noisy as they flew over Epsom, Royal Oak, One Tree Hill and Onehunga before landing at the airport.
The routes were trialed between November 2012 and October 2013.
Airways general manager systems operator Pauline Lamb said flight paths had been made higher in places and the curves of the approaches had been widened so the aircraft did not have to reduce the thrust and speed brakes which would reduce noise levels.
BARNZ executive director John Beckett said satellite guidance enabled aircraft to fly a gentler, steadier, curved flight path.
The new method -- in-line with international practices -- allowed aircraft engines to run at close to idle which reduced fuel burn, cut carbon emissions and allowed aircraft to airlines.
Each of the new flight paths that approach the airport from the north will be used no more than 10 times a day.
A fourth approach from the north was being developed for trial and public consultation in 2015.
By Nikki Preston of the New Zealand Herald
