The Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) celebrates its 10th anniversary. With the implementation of RVSM, Europe’s upper airspace capacity grew by 25%, and it helped airlines and other airspace users meet rising demand more effectively and simultaneously make substantial fuel savings.

The 10th anniversary of Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) was celebrated by the EU on 24 January, according to what it was reported by Eurocontrol. This air management project is a Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) of 300m (1000ft) separation between aircraft. RVSM provides six additional cruising levels between FL 290 and FL 410, resulting in substantial reductions in fuel costs and in-flight delays. Last year, Eurocontrol also presented new rules to improve aircraft identification and surveillance performance and interoperability.

€3.9 billion is the average yearly cost benefits for aircraft operators estimated and savings mainly derived from reductions in delay and fuel consumption. It also delivered significant environmental benefits with a reduction of 3,500 tons NOx per year. In fact, Europe’s upper airspace capacity grew by 25% with the implementation of RVSM, by providing six extra flight levels between 29,000 feet and 41,000 feet bringing the total to thirteen. Thus, airlines and other airspace users meet rising demand more effectively and simultaneously make substantial fuel savings.

It took several decades of feasibility studies and technical investigations to develop this system which were followed by a dedicated implementation programme that lasted a full three years. RVSM won both Jane’s ATC Award and the Flight International Aerospace Industry Award for the role it played in expanding capacity, reducing congestion and enhancing safety.