Airlines can reduce their CO2 emissions and improve their environmental footprint and safety further during flights after the release of new software.
The level of carbon emissions released by
aircraft can now be predicted with the help of the software,
FLIGHT, from the
University of Manchester.
Developed by Dr Antonio Filippone, the software performs a variety of functions, including noise reduction analysis, accident investigation, and carbon impact measurement.
"FLIGHT can optimise the airplane trajectories for minimum fuel consumption and can determine flight paths that avoid or minimise contrail formation," said Filippone.
"We can also compare one aircraft against another. This is the most impartial way of doing this, as individual companies have the means to do this but will always favour their own products."
Software functionsFilippone said the
carbon emission estimates currently provided by the
airline industry are far from realistic, which is why its important that airlines download the software from the website so they can find out their actual emissions.
FLIGHT can expertly predict the true level of emissions released by aircraft and help the industry improve their environmental reputation, which is currently a point of criticism.
The software can also help air traffic controllers and airline authorities determine the best flight path for incoming and outgoing planes by providing measurements of noise given on take–off and landing.
"We can already very well map the noise aircraft will make from the ground, from geographical constraints like built-up areas, mountains and so on," said Filippone. "But we can now look at real noise around airports. This can be used to reduce noise by altering flight paths."
Another key function of FLIGHT is its ability to help in accident investigation and prevention. Filippone used FLIGHT to analyse the Boeing 777, which crashed at Heathrow in January 2008 and discovered that the accident was caused by freezing of the valves which take the fuel into the engine.
Environmental impact of aviation
This software comes during a time when efforts are being made worldwide to reduce carbon emissions from aviation. Based on current calculations, the aviation industry is responsible for two per cent of the world’s carbon emissions.
International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA), which includes manufacturers, airlines, airports and navigation service providers, has issued a call for governments to agree on a global plan to address aviation emissions at December's United Nations climate summit in Cancun.
The call also goes out to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which is holding its general assembly in Montreal from September 28 to October 8.
One of the main purposes of the new FLIGHT software is to help the aviation industry start recognising its true carbon emissions and then find ways to reduce them. Filippone said his new software can help the aviation industry achieve its carbon reduction goals.
"My method can show the improved routes – and help reduce fuel consumption and dangerous emissions," said Filippone. "The software can lead to us having better and greener aircraft."
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