Cutting CO2 emissions the New Zealand way

#CO2emissions New Zealand is working out a method to cut carbon dioxide emissions by creating new short-cut flight paths over Auckland – the intention is to not just reducing CO2 emissions but also to burn less fuel and fly more quietly.
Two of Auckland Airport's smart flight paths that make use of 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 is a joint project between the Auckland Airport, Airways New Zealand and the Board of Airline Representatives and have been altered following feedback from concerned residents earlier this year.
The residents argued that 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. These routes had been tested out between November 2012 and October 2013.
In order to counter the objections, some flight paths had been made higher in places and the curves of the approaches had been widened – as a result, aircraft would not be required to reduce the thrust and speed brakes which would reduce noise levels. In the opinion of BARNZ, the satellite guidance enabled aircraft to fly a gentler, steadier, curved flight path.
The advantages of the new method, which is in-line with international practices allows the aircraft engines to run at close to idle – this economizes on the fuel burn and, simultaneously, cuts down carbon dioxide emissions.