Sydney Airport Message Board - Airlines to save millions as defence flight paths open

Quote:

Airlines to save millions as defence flight paths open
October 8, 2009 - 10:53AM

Defence flight paths closed to civilian use since World War II will be opened up in the coming months, potentially leading to large savings for airlines.

Negotiations between the RAAF and other government bodies on air space utilisation across the nation have been broadly successful, the head of the RAAF Air Marshal Mark Binskin told an aviation conference in Canberra on Wednesday.

Up to 100 zones previously closed to civilian use may be opened from November, multiple sources attending the conference said.

An informal group of public service leaders, including Air Marshal Binskin and Airservices Australia boss Greg Russell, has been working on the project for some months.

Sources said Air Marshal Binskin talked of seven previously restricted zones being dismantled and the number subject to part-time restrictions being reduced from 81 to 15.

Comment has been sought from the Department of Defence.

The changes will potentially save airlines millions of dollars in fuel costs because they will no longer have to fly around closed air space.

Emissions will also be dramatically reduced.

Qantas chief Alan Joyce praised the progress in the negotiations.

"Greater civil and military integration in our national airspace will be an important step towards optimising this asset, improving aviation safety and flight performance, reducing noise, and creating savings in track miles, time, fuel and emissions," Mr Joyce said.

"Current proposals are in the right direction and we welcome the news that plans for a merged system are making progress."

AAP

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-...1008-gnx0.html