Commercial flights are shorter and burn less fuel thanks to an innovation pioneered by a NASA partnership. A computer algorithm alerts pilots mid-flight when a more direct route is available, allowing them to adjust course. Estimates predict the service can save an average-sized operator thousands of flight minutes per year. That translates to a lot less fuel, lower pollution, and saved money — not to mention earlier arrivals for passengers.
The first A in NASA stands for aeronautics — and over the years NASA has pioneered many advances for aircraft, from the shape of the wings to the software that keeps them flying safely. One recent advance was in air traffic control software, to give pilots more direct routes that save time and fuel.
Learn more about how NASA helped develop technology that impacts direct-to advisory system within your city's air travel environment!