Air traffic control, business regulation and CO2 emissions

A metric has been developed that, for the first time, makes it possible to measure the fuel inefficiency resulting from the action of Air Traffic Control, by recording a few simple, specific, straightforward components of a flight. A significant benefit of this approach is that it can be completed efficiently – without expensive data gathering and without complex calculations, making it transparent and meaningful to stakeholders. On the basis of this novel analytical work NATS, with the technical support of its OR analysts, was confident to hold constructive discussions with the UK Civil Aviation Authority on the incorporation of the 3D inefficiency score within the existing service quality regulation scheme. This was important for NATS En Route Limited (NERL) as it effectively helped define part of its business operating environment. The service quality scheme provides the regulator with a means of imposing financial reward or penalty based on the service quality delivered by NERL. Therefore, this will have a direct effect on NERL revenue during forthcoming financial regulation periods.