The International Air Transport
Association (IATA) says it has successfully completed its first
iFlex trial between Johannesburg and Atlanta. IATA notes that the
iFlex concept provides for a greater and more flexible choice of
routes on long-haul operations which cross multiple flight
information regions to deliver shorter flight times, improved fuel
efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions while maintaining safety. IATA
notes further that the iFlex initiative is the culmination of eight
months of work between IATA, the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO), Civil Air Navigation Services Organization
(CANSO), the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and
Madagascar (ASECNA), (Dakar FIRs), Ghana CAA (Accra FIR), Trinidad
and Tobago CAA (Piarco FIR), SNA-Antilles Guyane (Rochambeau
Cayenne FIR), ASA - Cabo Verde (SAL FIR), Delta Air Lines and
Emirates Airline. IATA adds that the routings were made available
to all operators as of 25 August.
"This initiative demonstrates just
what can be achieved when we work together as an industry to reduce
aviation's impact on the environment while at the same time
enhancing efficiency and safety," says Mr. Guenther Matschnigg,
IATA Senior Vice President, Safety, Operations and Infrastructure.
"We look forward to future successes based on this first
trial."