This story is from our news.com.au network Source: AAP
Jets to cut engines and glide to save fuel
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* March 30, 2007
QANTAS and Air New Zealand jets arriving at Auckland airport will cut their engines and glide into their final stage of landing in a trial to save fuel and cut greenhouse emissions.
The glided landings - believed to be a world first - will start at New Zealand's biggest airport from mid-April, national air services provider Airways New Zealand said.
The practice was safe and the measure could provide significant fuel savings and reductions in carbon emissions, said Lew Jenkins of Airways New Zealand.
"This is a perfectly safe procedure, and other flights will be controlled by Airways New Zealand's air traffic controllers to remain clear of the trial flight paths," Mr Jenkins said.
"All commercial airlines want to be safe but they also need to be profitable, fuel efficient, and environmentally friendly, and a key component in this equation is fuel."
Federal Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile said Australia was introducing greater flexibility in flight paths and continuous descent approaches in an effort to cut carbon emissions.
"Australia supports a global approach to aviation emissions reduction," Mr Vaile said.
Thats the hacks take on it, now whats the real story?