The second-largest German air carrier, Air Berlin, plans to reduce its kerosene consumption, pollutant emissions and noise exposure by utilizing a software system to carry out optimal landing approaches. The new system called SafeRoute, based on ADS-B technology (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast), will help adjust the velocity of incoming aircraft in a way that allows for maintaining optimal distances between planes even on airports with high levels of traffic. This will soon make it possible to avoid cases where pilots used to be ordered to fly holding patterns in order to join the queue of waiting aircraft.

This will not only save the passengers valuable time, but also reduce exposure to noise from landing aircraft for the communities surrounding airports. The economical use of kerosene will do its part to reduce pollutant emissions, among other things.

Air Berlin will be the first air carrier to utilize SafeRoute in Europe. The Boeing fleet will be equipped first, followed by the Airbus fleet.

Air Berlin is Germany’s second-largest air carrier. Last year, the company transported a total of 28.6 million passengers worldwide and employed more than 8,000 people. Air Berlin received 10 awards for service and quality in 2008, alone. With an average age of only 4.6 years, Air Berlin possesses one of the youngest fleets in Europe. Their modern jets allow for a reduction in pollutant emissions due to their economical kerosene consumption.