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Air New Zealand on September 12th conducted what has been hailed ‘the perfect flight’ from Auckland to San Fransisco.

Taking advantage of optimal flying conditions and the help of aviation authorities in Australia, New Zealand and the United States, the flight saved an estimated 4600 litres of aviation fuel. From a carbon emissions perspective this meant 9 tonnes (11,500kg) less carbon dioxide was emitted into the atmosphere. The flight across the Pacific normally produces 290 tonnes of C02.

he normal commercial flight NZ8, dubbed ASPIRE 1 (Asia and South Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions) is the first tailored test flight on the Pacific using technology and cleared gates at each end, eliminating air traffic congestion to test flight and fuel efficiency. It is part of a worldwide drive to make the aviation industry more environmentally friendly.

The aircraft sourced power from Auckland Airport’s supply while still on the tarmac instead of burning its own fuel to drive electricity while boarding passengers.

Six hourly updated weather reports sent electronically using GPS-based navigation to on-board computers meant the pilots could change their flight path to avoid bad weather.

The aircraft, which was a Boeing 777, used maximum thrust during take off to reach optimum altitude as soon as possible and a gradual, slow descent on landing instead of the usual rev up and rev down procedure, all contributing to the fuel savings.

Qantas and United Airlines are set to follow suit with gate to gate tests in flights across the Pacific.

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Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon predicted rising aviation fuel prices in the industry could lead to a massive restructuring of the industry. He said that up to 100,000 jobs could be at risk, worldwide, by the end of the year. Qantas announced last week that it would shed over 1500 jobs in Australia and forego hiring another 1200.

In an estimate last week, Dixon had said that rising fuel costs had added two billion Australian dollars (1.94 billion US) to Qantas’ fuel bill this year. Qantas also last week cut its estimated capacity growth for 2008-09 from eight percent to zero and announced it would retire up to 22 older aircraft from its fleet.

Speaking at a business luncheon in Sydney today, he referred to airlines around the world resorting to cutting routes and capacity, grounding and retiring aircraft in a bid to manage the rising fuel costs. He said that rising fuel costs were likely to change the economics and mechanics of the industry for ever.

“The global aviation industry faces not just a shock or indeed a blip or indeed a crisis really but a permanent transformation,” he said.

Dixon believed that the United States would eventually ease restrictions on foreigners owning more than 25 percent of the voting stock in US airlines, sparking a new wave of consolidation in the industry.

He predicted long-established airline brands would remain but that the number of airline owners in the market place would dwindle.

Read more about this story here.

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The Australian company Qantas today provided two major announcements.

One was the change in its logo. The logo was adapted to fit the tail of the new A380 aircraft, as well as to reflect the airline’s contemporary design focus.

Old qantas logo on the left, new one on the right. Photo credits: Qantas & the Sydney Morning Herald.

Qantas today also revealed the new Premium Economy cabin and seating to be offered progressively on its international Boeing 747-400 aircraft from February 2008 and on its fleet of new A380 being delivered from August 2008.

Qantas Executive General Manager John Borghetti said the airline’s Premium Economy cabin would appeal to Economy travellers seeking more space, comfort and an enhanced level of service.

Mr Borghetti said that the premium economy seat was designed by Marc Newson & manufactured by Recaro which makes seats for luxury auto brands such as Aston Martin, Audi and Porsche
“The Premium Economy seat was designed by Marc Newson - the designer of our award winning Skybed sleeper seat - and manufactured by Recaro, which makes seats for luxury auto brands such as Aston Martin, Audi and Porsche,” Mr Borghetti said.

“The seats offer extra width and recline, more legroom, and an in-arm digital wide screen television monitor, as well as laptop power connection.

“Premium Economy will also include a self-service bar offering a selection of refreshments throughout the flight, in addition to the regular choice of meals designed by Neil Perry’s Rockpool Group, premium wines, superior tableware and soft furnishings.”

Mr Borghetti said other key features of Premium Economy included:

* the world’s best Premium Economy recline and leg room - nine inch seat recline and up to 42 inch seat pitch;
* extra wide, 19.5 inch seat width;
* ergonomic cushioning;
* larger, in-arm touch screen video monitor;
* multiport jack with USB (A380 only) and RJ45 ports;
* a six-way adjustable headrest;
* an integrated leg rest with fold-out footrest; and
* a wide centre console with a fixed cocktail table and in-arm meal table.

“Premium Economy customers will also have a dedicated check-in area,” Mr Borghetti said.

He said the Premium Economy cabin would be available gradually on B747 services to London, Hong Kong and Johannesburg from February 2008 with further routes being added following the introduction of A380 aircraft.

Premium Economy will be located on the main deck of B747 aircraft with 32 seats in a two-four-two configuration. On the A380, the cabin will be located on the upper deck with 32 seats in a two-three-two configuration.

You can also view the interior of the premium economy seats A380 Superjumbo at the Sydney Morning Herald site here.

Overall, sounds like good news for Qantas passengers in the future.

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