Originally Posted by
NoiseUnit
Are optimum cruise altitudes routinely available for short haul ops in crowded airspace (i.e. Europe) where the stage length is sufficient? Or are cruise altitudes frequently limited to non-optimum flight levels due to other traffic?
Similarly, are A320s or 737NGs cruise speeds impacted by slower aircraft such RJs, older 737s and single aisle MD aircraft?
Does anyone know if this data exists in the public arena?
Maybe Brussels Eurocontrol has this data...have no idea
From my experience in Europe ATC most of the time gives the flight level requested (I would say 85%); cruise speeds are usually not impacted but I would define slow aircraft the A320s since max is .82 (average cruise .79)!