Austria implements free-route airpsace

These Night Direct Routings are the first step in a Free-Route concept in Austrian airspace. The technical systems of Austrocontrol and neighbouring states and the systems on board the aircraft all coped flawlessly with the transition.

In particular, the high level of acceptance of the offered "shortcuts" in the first hours after implementation is proof of the good preparation and confirmedthe demand from the airlines.

"Free Route Airspace Vienna (FRAW)" has been carried out in coordination with the European Network Improvement Plan and the FAB CE airspace concept. The implementation of this initiative will result in shorter flight paths, more efficient management of air traffic and reduction in emissionsdandfuel savings. This concept is therefore an important contribution to the successful implementation of the Single European Sky.

Further implementation stages of Free Route airspace of the Austrian sectors will now be investigated in close co-operation with Eurocontrol.