Two SMART Approaches to be implemented next month

Auckland Airport, Airways New Zealand and the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand (BARNZ) announced today that two satellite-guided flight paths to Auckland Airport from the North will come into permanent operation on 28 May 2015. Each of these flight paths can be used between 7am and 10pm by up to 10 aircraft per day.

The decision to implement the two satellite-guided flight paths was publicly announced by the aviation industry in December last year, following a trial and public consultation process. The two flight paths being implemented were modified as a result of feedback from the trial and public consultation to reduce aircraft noise, use even less fuel and deliver benefits for the environment.

BARNZ's Executive Director, John Beckett, says satellite guidance enables aircraft to fly an improved flight path. "These two new flight paths are higher in places, and their approach curves wider, than the paths used in the trial. This means that aircraft can reduce the use of thrust and speed brakes, making them quieter and allowing the aircraft to save fuel, cut carbon emissions and land more efficiently," says Mr Beckett.

Airways New Zealand's General Manager Systems Operator, Pauline Lamb, says, "The new paths contribute to the modernisation of airspace and air navigation in New Zealand. Satellite-guided flight paths improve the efficiency of air traffic movements while delivering environmental benefits and reducing aircraft noise. They also show our ongoing commitment to the continued improvement of aviation safety."

Auckland Airport's General Manager Aeronautical Operations, Judy Nicholl, says, "With more than 420 flights every day, Auckland Airport connects Auckland to the rest of New Zealand and the world. These satellite-guided flight paths will help grow travel, trade and tourism in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner."

As announced in December 2014, Auckland Airport, Airways New Zealand and BARNZ have developed a third satellite-guided flight path to Auckland Airport from the North-East for trial. The trial will commence in September 2015 and continue for up to 12 months. The trial flight path can be used between 7am and 10pm by up to 10 aircraft per day. Details of the trial flight path will be published in newspapers next month.

More information is available online at www.aucklandflightpathtrial.co.nz.

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