IATA-1 route launched over China

Geneva, Apr 12 (UNI) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has obtained China's approval to implement a new route for international traffic which reduces flight times between China and Europe by an average of 30 minutes.

Officially known as Y-1, it is often referred to as IATA-1, reflecting IATA's role in achieving this in cooperation with the Chinese government. Initially, 110 flights a week could potentially benefit from IATA-1.

''The move will result in 30 million dollars in savings on the airlines fuel bill,'' said IATA's Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani. ''We appreciate the cooperation of Chinese government in making airspace more efficient at a time where the airline industry is bleeding red ink from the record high price of oil.'' Currently only 30 per cent of Chinese airspace is available for civil aviation. This has resulted in a shortage of international air routes over China as well as a restrictive flight planning policy when airlines plan their flight path.

IATA-1 will have a significant impact on the environment. The more direct routing will eliminate 2,860 hours of flight time, 27,000 tonnes of fuel consumption, 84,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission, and 340,000 kg of nitrogen oxides emission annually.

Fuel efficiency, direct routings and new technology are all part of IATA's efforts that have realised a 70 per cent reduction in aircraft emissions over the last 30 years, said Mr Bisignani.

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