Twin engine jets allowed to fly over North Pole
Shorter flight times and fuel savings are on offer after permission was given to fly twin engine jets over the North Pole.
Boeing 777 and 787 ‘Dreamliner’ twin jets will now be able to fly from Britain straight across the North Pole to the Pacific Islands.
It was welcomed by Virgin Atlantic’s president Sir Richard Branson who said the relaxation of rules could see their 787s flying to Honolulu or even Fiji one day, reports the Independent.
American aviation regulators had insisted the nearest place to land must be no more than three hours away for twin engine jets due to the more serious danger of engine failure, which ruled out the North Pole route.
But the rules have now been relaxed allowing the planes to venture five and a half hours from diversion airports as long as the airline meets a list of criteria which includes additional equipment and special training.
Four engine jets are already using this route.
By Diane Evans
Diane
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.
































Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports