Twin engine jets allowed to fly over North Pole
27.12.11
Shorter flight times and fuel savings are expected after permission was given to fly twin engine planes over the North Pole, the Independent reports. The change will mean that Boeing 777 and 787 ‘Dreamliner’ twin engined jets will now be able to fly from the UK straight across the North Pole to the Pacific Islands.
American aviation regulators had insisted the nearest place to land must be no more than three hours away for twin engine jets flying through their airspace due to the more serious danger (or consequences) of engine failure, which ruled out the North Pole route. But the rules have been relaxed allowing twin engined planes to venture five and a half hours from diversion airports as long as the airline meets a list of criteria that includes additional equipment and special training.
The change was welcomed by Virgin Atlantic’s founder and president, Sir Richard Branson, who told the newspaper the relaxation of rules could see their 787s (when they get them) flying to Honolulu or even Fiji.
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