Slow down to save the planet

The next generation of planes look set to sacrifice speed in order to save the environment.

A European Commission research project headed by the world's leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus has drawn-up blueprints for a new jet which would fly more slowly than planes currently in operation, using 20 per cent less fuel as a result.

The new model would fly at 430 miles per hour once it reaches top cruising speed, compared with the 500 miles per hour top speed of most planes operated by leading airlines at present.

This would add around ten minutes onto an average European flight.

However, with global governments concerned about the environmental damage caused by air travel, the new, greener model would enable airlines to continue to offer passengers more choice and greater frequency of flights whilst decreasing harmful emission levels.

João Frota, the project’s leader, told The Times newspaper that the new planes would have straighter wings, allowing for more efficient engine use, thereby saving fuel.

They would also be much quieter, cutting noise levels at take-off and landing by around 50 per cent.

Improved air traffic control efficiency and fewer international restrictions over the next decade should also enable airlines to offer more direct flights as well as cutting turnaround times at the airport, meaning that the longer flight times would in many cases make little difference to total journey times.

More than 30 companies have worked with Airbus on the four-year project, entitled New Aircraft Concepts Research.

The plans are still in development, but passengers could be boarding the leaner, greener planes within the next ten-to-15 years.

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