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US airline cuts fuel consumption

[7th May 2008]

The US airline Comair has been able to cut fuel burn by around 3% by using new technology that optimises plane performance.

Comair has been using PPAS (Pilots Performance Advisory System) a cost optimisation system supplied by Applied Aeronautical Systems Inc. PPAS provides pilots with information on optimal speeds and altitudes according to specific temperatures and wind conditions.

"Incorporating Cost Index flying has been a long-term goal for Comair and we are very excited with the benefits that PPAS provides," says director of flight operations for Comair, Captain Steve Briner.

"Our crews now have an effective and environmentally positive tool to help them reduce fuel burn, enhance safety and support our operating performance," Briner adds.

Following successful trials, Comair has signed an agreement with AASI to equip its 115 regional jets with the PPAS. "We are very pleased that Comair chose PPAS to be part of their strategy to enhance safety and decrease costs," says chairman and CEO of AASI, Captain Gary Wagner.

"We are particularly gratified that, when Comair realized that PPAS could support their operational goals, the airline immediately integrated it into their Standard Operating Procedures," Wagner continues.

PPAS receives data from Comair’s fleet, enabling it to constantly compute the optimum combination of speed, vertical profile and power setting while allowing for the performance limitations of individual aircraft.

Comair is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines and a Delta Connection carrier. The airline operates 670 flights a day to 86 cities in the USA, Canada and the Bahamas.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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