China approves new flight route

A new air route, which will reduce flight times for travellers between China and Europe, has been given the seal of approval by the Chinese government and is expect to be open to traffic from the end of this week.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) which helped implement the new route Y-1, also known as IATA-1 has enabled 110 flights a week to potentially cut their flying times by an average of 30 minutes, Travel Daily News reports.

The new route will not only benefit travellers but also the environment as the new routing will eliminate 2,860 hours of flight time and 27,000 tonnes of fuel consumption each year.

Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and chief executive said: "IATA-1 will result in US$30 million in savings on the airlines fuel bill. We appreciate the cooperation of the Chinese Government in making airspace more efficient at a time where the airline industry is bleeding red ink from the record high price of oil."

The new routing will allow airlines flying between Asia and Europe more route options allowing companies to optimise their flight paths.

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