LFV contributing with smart solutions for more sustainable air traffic

Using data from LFV, FOI (the Swedish Defence Research Agency) has been able to improve calculations of the environmental impact of aviation. At the same time, the project has added to the bank of knowledge that could lead to lower fuel consumption and thus a reduction of the climate impact in the future. 

Together with FOI, the Swedish Transport Agency and LFV have invested research funds to conduct a research project  that could improve the model that FOI uses to calculate the quantities of emissions from aircraft.
Up until now, calculations of emissions from aircraft in Sweden have assumed the straightest and shortest routes. However, airlines do not usually fly the shortest routes.

In this project, FOI has obtained access via LFV to the radar tracks from a total of 2,200 domestic flights during a few weeks in 2016. By studying the radar tracks, FOI has been able to refine its calculation model and bring down the difference between estimated and actual flight paths by about 8%.
"Through including a fuel model in our radar analysis tool, we can help FOI and the Transport Agency to make more precise calculations of emissions from Swedish aircraft. We will also be able to analyse how fuel consumption is affected by changes in airspace and working methods. It creates benefit and value for the airlines, which will also have more data to develop their operations and improve sustainability," says Patrik Bergviken, air traffic controller at Landvetter Airport and participant in the project.

Another area of study is the high-altitude effect, i.e. the particular climate impact of emissions that occur at high altitude. In this context FOI has noted that turboprop aircraft very seldom fly high enough to give rise to high altitude effects. As regards turbojet aircraft, more research is needed to show how often they fly high enough to produce high altitude effects.

For more information please contact the LVF press service on +46-(0)11-19 20 50.

LFV operates air traffic management and associated services for civil and military aviation and is Sweden's leading player in this area.Through various forms of collaboration, LFV also participates in the development of European airspace. LFV has long experience in providing aviation consultancy services in the international market. Research and development is one of its focus areas and LFV offers smart solutions for future aviation. Remotely operated air traffic management is a completely new method of controlling aircraft, first developed by LFV and currently attracting global attention. LFV has around 1,100 employees and a turnover of SEK 3.1 billion.

Facts about LFV

LFV controls air traffic at 20 airports and from three control centres in Sweden.
LFV works as a partner with GAL, Global Aerospace Logistics, a supplier of air navigation services in the United Arab Emirates.
LFV was first in the world to use remote air traffic control and has already accumulated two years of operational experience.
LFV has experience and knowledge of air traffic services and aviation safety in over 50 countries.
LFV is a state-owned enterprise.
726,000 aircraft movements in Swedish airspace in 2016.
99.9% punctuality.
100% air safety goals achieved.