Alaska Airlines tests satellite guidance technology for fuel-efficient landings

While a lot of aviation focus on getting greener revolves around cleaner fuel, Alaska Airlines is testing more-efficient landing procedures.

The Seattle-based airline says it continued its testing this week of “more direct, continuous-descent approaches” using Required Navigation Performance satellite guidance technology.

In eight landing approaches over Puget Sound using Boeing 737-700 aircraft, Alaska says the shorter and more efficient flight paths reduced carbon emissions and cut fuel consumption about 400 pounds per approach.

Alaska Airlines, other carriers flying into Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Boeing and the Port of Seattle are seeking FAA approval of the procedures.

The airline is more than half way through the tests it needs to complete before coming up for an FAA review.

Alaska says the procedures reduced carbon emissions about 35% compared with a conventional landing, and reduce overflight noise.

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