WashingtonWire - 2005-02-07

FAA Doubles Airspace Capacity At High Altitudes
Capacity in U.S. airspace last month got a major boost when the Federal Aviation Administration doubled the number of routes at high altitudes. The change could save airlines about $5.3 billion in fuel costs during the next decade because pilots and air traffic controllers more easily can choose direct and fuel-efficient routes. Passengers also may arrive at their destinations more quickly. "When you save fuel, you save money. It's that simple and more efficient routes save the passenger time," said FAA administrator Marion Blakey. "We're adding airspace routes, increasing capacity and maintaining the same high level of safety all at the same time." The new capacity will be achieved by reducing vertical spacing to 1,000 feet between aircraft flying between 29,000 and 41,000 feet. Planes previously were required to maintain a distance of 2,000 vertical feet. FAA said the change is possible because most aircraft now are equipped with advanced, more precise dual altimeter systems and autopilots. Airlines flying at high altitudes still must maintain a horizontal separation of at least five miles, FAA said. The "Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum" program has been in place safely for the past seven years in "less complex" airspace from Europe to Australia, and over most of the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans, FAA said. Only airplanes determined to be properly equipped will be authorized to fly at the reduced intervals, the agency said.

U.S., India Announce Open Skies Agreement
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and India's civil aviation administrator, Praful Patel, reached an agreement Jan. 13, after three days of talks that will ease direct travel between the United States and India and allow such carriers as Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, Air India and India's Jet Airways to choose new routes, increase frequency of flights and set fares based on consumer demand. The airlines will be allowed to enter into codeshare arrangements as well. "This agreement means that U.S. and India will be closer than ever before," Mineta said. "Today's agreement begins a new era where American and Indian consumers, airlines and economies can reap the rewards of cheaper flights, more choices and faster air service." About two million passengers travel between India and the United State annually as trade between the two nations has increased. The new pact replaces one from 1956 that restricted the number of airlines that could fly between the two countries, cities that could be served, and the frequency of pricing and service.