a cost index of 9....249 knots in descent ..except when required by STAR (ie Amsterda 280).
1)We save fuel
2)Passenger ears comfy.(big difference in descent rate/cabin pressure change during an idle descent at 280 from 41000 feet rather that 250).
3)still on time
4)No need to look out for birds so much
However when flying to ATC regions where radar is not as accurate as in the UK for example, and some aircraft is behind and planning to land at the same place,,,i do advice ATC of our cross over speed so the other dude can replan his descent profile.Or possibly the controller to nicely ask me to get a higher descent speed earlier...which i will gladly do.
However the 350 knots to 20 miles may be good for places liken the US Midwest but not in civilized europe.
If 411A WANTS TO IMPRESS US, you should get your american fellow to use proper RT , you just break my ears!!!with your #airborne#, passing 234 for 350......