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Friday, 30th May, 2014
Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s gateway. “It makes sense to use the accuracy of satellite-based navigation to create a more direct approach to the runway that reduces flight times and achieves fuel and carbon emission savings, says Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett.
“We are a long way from the rest of the world, and any improvements we can sensibly make in reducing the journey time and at the same time make fuel and emission savings with better noise management has to be seriously explored.” He was commenting on the SMART Approaches flight path trial draft report released today.
While the draft report concludes the trial was a success, Mr Barnett said the Chamber would be looking at the report conclusions in more detail and take up the opportunity to make a submission.
“At first view a trial that delivers fuel and carbon emission savings and reduced flight times with noise levels determined to be within acceptable levels sets a useful platform for the airport and Aucklanders to leverage on,” said Mr Barnett.
He noted that SMART Approaches are part of a worldwide drive by the aviation industry and regulators to improve flight paths. “I see a great opportunity to now deliver business efficiencies, better journeys for travellers and reinforce the Auckland (and New Zealand) brand as an attractive place to visit and do business from.”
“Auckland Airport is our modern-day life line connecting us to the rest of the world and has a critical part to play in Auckland’s role as New Zealand’s only international city of scale.
“It would be irresponsible for us to ignore global best practice which delivers fuel and flight time savings on a long distance journey, and benefits the environment and reduces aircraft noise for the community,” concluded Mr Barnett.
For more information contact Michael Barnett, mobile: 0275 631 150.
Michael Barnett, Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce.
