According to Karen Lee, director of operations at UPS Airlines, next-generation continuous descent approaches are where pilots are delegated the task of self-spacing and air traffic controllers retain responsibility for separation. Lee says during two weeks of trials in 2004 aircraft saved between 110kg (250lb) and 210kg of fuel per approach over 125 test flights. With 22,000 arrivals a year at Louisville, Kentucky, that will add up to nearly 3.79 litres (1 million USgal) of fuel saved every year if the entire fleet is equipped, she says.
UPS expects to have its 107 Boeing 757s and 767s equipped with the system by the end of next year, along with 10 new 747s and 26 new 767s being delivered. Lee says the carrier is evaluating whether to add the enhancements to its Boeing MD-11 and Airbus A300 fleet as well, but is not planning the upgrades for its McDonnell Douglas DC-8s, which will be phased out.
Source: Flight International
