Expansion of the free route airspace
Austro Control has been pioneering the Free Route Airspace since 2016, when it established the first cross-border airspace with Slovenia. The current expansion now includes all neighbouring countries and creates a uniform free route airspace. This cooperation took place in close collaboration with the air navigation service providers of the neighbouring countries, thus fulfilling the requirements of the "Single European Sky" project at an early stage.
The expansion brings together the previous SECSI FRA (South East Common Sky Initiative Free Route Airspace) and FRA-IT (Italy) projects and will be finalised by the SEE FRA (South East Europe Free Route Airspace). This will create one of the largest cross-border airspaces in Europe, taking flight planning and air traffic control to a new level.
Benefits for airlines, passengers and the environment
Free Route allows aircraft to fly freely through the airspace between selected entry and exit points instead of adhering to fixed flight routes. This allows airlines to:
- Save fuelUp to 23,000 kg of paraffin per day can be saved.
- Reduce emissionsThis corresponds to a saving of up to 70,000 kg of CO2 emissions per day.
- Plan more flexiblyOptimum flight routes can be selected at almost all altitudes.
Passengers benefit from shorter flight times, while the environment is relieved by a significant reduction in emissions. According to Austro Control, these measures will avoid up to 100,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.
Technological innovation and European integration
The realisation of a cross-border free route airspace requires close coordination and technological progress. Air navigation service providers such as Austro Control play a pioneering role in this. Philipp Piber, Managing Director of Austro Control, emphasised: "Today we are proud that we have now realised a Free Route Airspace with all our partner ANSPs."
Elisabeth Landrichter, also Managing Director of Austro Control, emphasised: "With our free route airspace and innovative approach and departure procedures, we will be able to avoid CO2 emissions of up to 100,000 tonnes per year."
European flagship project in the Single European Sky
The Single European Sky (SES) is an EU initiative to make European airspace more efficient and air traffic more sustainable. Austro Control's pioneering role in the implementation of the Free Route Airspace makes Austria a key player in the SES strategy. Seamless integration with neighbouring countries creates a model that can inspire other regions in Europe.
Outlook
The expansion of the Free Route Airspace marks a significant step towards sustainable aviation and more efficient European integration. With the latest technological developments and close cooperation between air navigation service providers, future projects such as a single European airspace are becoming more realistic than ever.
Austro Control proves that significant progress can be made for airlines, passengers and the environment through innovation and co-operation. The cross-border Free Route Airspace is a shining example of how aviation is meeting today's challenges with forward-looking solutions.
Source references:
Flieger.News