China will reduce the vertical air space between aircraft
starting from November 22, the General Administration of Civil
Aviation (CAAC) said.
Called Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM), it shortens
the space between aircraft from 2,000 feet (610 meters) to 1,000
feet (305 meters), allowing the number of layers of aircraft flying
between 29,000 feet (8,841 meters) and 41,000 feet (12,500 meters)
to be increased from seven to 13.
"We can make better use of the airspace, increase air traffic
flow and reduce flight delays, said Wang Changshun, CAAC's deputy
director.
"It is good news for travelers who will have to spend less time
sitting in cabins waiting for the aircraft to take off."
Last year, flight delays topped the passengers' complaint list.
Industry insiders said air traffic control was a major reason for
the delays.
CAAC has been under pressure to make better use of the limited
airspace, as the aircraft fleet keeps expanding. China is ranked No
2 in air traffic volume.
RVSM, which the International Civil Aviation Organization
introduced in the 1970s, is used in Europe, North America, the
Pacific, the Atlantic, Japan and Republic of Korea.
CAAC carried out a pilot project in Sanya, South China's Hainan
Province in 2002, and has now decided to apply it nationwide in
November, about eight months ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympics in
Beijing.
Local airlines will have to equip their aircraft with specially
certified altimeters and autopilots before October 1.
CAAC is also carrying out a revamp of its air traffic control
systems, to be completed in September.
(China Daily May 23, 2007)