Norway embraces innovative curved approaches to enhance air travel efficiency

The adoption of a new technology known as curved approaches is set to revolutionize air travel in Norway. Unlike traditional navigation based on radio beacons, curved approaches allow aircraft to follow significantly shorter flight paths. This innovation enables planes to land in lower cloud cover, improving flight regularity.

Abraham Foss, the executive director of Avinor, emphasizes that using satellite navigation instead of radio signals will result in shorter routes, consequently reducing flight time for passengers. Currently, this new landing procedure is already operational at nine airports across Norway, from Svalbard in the north to Stavanger in the south. Avinor will be the first in Europe to implement satellite-based curved approaches on such a large scale.

The financial benefits of this transition are estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of Norwegian kroner for both airlines and Avinor. Foss highlights that the shift to modern technology will save millions annually on maintenance and upgrades. It’s projected that airlines could save around NOK 90 million each year in fuel costs alone, while reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 19,000 tons.

Per Gunnar Lyckander, a chief pilot at Norwegian, illustrates the environmental benefits. For instance, a flight from Trondheim to Oslo could save 300 kilos of fuel and a ton of CO2 emissions with the new approach.

The Norwegian government supports these innovations as part of broader efforts to reduce emissions and noise near airports. The goal is to have all 43 of Avinor’s airports equipped with curved approaches by the end of 2027, with six additional airports expected to adopt the technology by year-end. This initiative not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with Norway’s commitment to sustainable air travel.