TopBunk
However, 1.5 tonnes per hour ground holding compare as to nothing to about 8 tonnes per hour airborne holding for a 747-400. If we could more effectively reduce airborne holding by the use of predictive EAT's we would do much more to reduce oil consumption and emissions.
Indeed. Take LHR/EGLL: If we cut down the number of slots/flights each day, those arriving would hold for far less time and burn less fuel. If we had a third runway then incoming would not have to hold so long.
But, once we had a third runway, BAA would sell another 1,000 slots (or whatever it would be) and the Holds will be full once again!
