Airbus-led CRISTAL ITP project demonstrates new procedure

Airline Industry Information, April 18, 2008

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The first in-flight demonstration of a flexible new procedure for oceanic airspace which reportedly saves fuel and lowers emissions during cruise, has been completed by partners of an Airbus-led projected called CRISTAL ITP (In-trail Procedure), with the partners including ISAVIA (the air traffic control provider in Iceland), NATS (the air traffic control provider in the UK), EUROCONTROL CASCADE programme, Airbus and SAS.

Airbus said the new in-trail procedure will allow aircraft to conduct altitude changes more easily during cruise, helping to improve flight efficiency, while lowering fuel burn and emissions. It claimed the new technology allows the flight crew to provide accurate information about their position, relative to other aircraft, to the controller, who can use the information to allow altitude changes with reduced separations.

According to Airbus, the demonstration flight was completed late last month, using its A340 test aircraft and an SAS A330, conducting the trial in Icelandic airspace, where operations can be carried out within radar coverage, ensuring trial safety.

The A340 performed a number of altitude changes relative to the SAS A330 during the trial, using a new aircraft system fitted on the A340 and including an Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) Traffic Computer.

Airbus confirmed the trials results will strengthen its experience in the field and benefit other European projects it is supporting, which aim to reduce fuel burn and emissions, including the Atlantic Interoperability initiative to Reduce Emissions (AIRE).

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