Airlines Reduce Speed In Hopes Of Reducing Fuel Consumption

Why do we fly? The number one answer to that question seems to be, "to answer the need for speed." So it might be surprising to some when they find out that at least one airline is slowing down to save on the skyrocketing price of fuel.

As the rising cost of fuel will cost airlines about 30-percent more this year than last, some are reducing their inflight cruise speed by about 14 miles an hour. Over Memorial Day weekend, United slowed its Airbus fleet from an average 530 miles an hour to 516.

"These moves provide some incremental savings, and spread over a fleet of 200 planes it can be fairly significant," said Stuart Klaskin, an industry consultant with KKC Aviation, quoted in the New York Daily News. "These are things the industry has done in the past, but then mostly ignored when fuel was cheap."

It's one of several moves airlines are making to save on fuel costs. Southwest is retrofitting its 737 fleet with more fuel-efficient winglets. American has even gone so far as to petition the FAA to reduce the amount of fuel reserves its aircraft carry on each flight.

"The rules and regulations just haven't caught up with technology," said American spokesman Tim Wagner. He said cutting the extra fuel weight from each flight will save American about $30 million this year.

FMI: www.faa.gov