HAMPSHIRE air traffic control company NATS is cutting aircraft emissions through a computer system that routes aircraft on flight paths that minimise the fuel they burn.

Known as 3Di, the tool is designed to deliver 600,000 tonnes of carbon savings over the next three years – the equivalent to 10,000 flights from London to New York or a fuel saving of £120m at today’s prices.

Ian Jopson, head of environmental affairs at Fareham-based NATS, said: “We introduced 3Di because we want to deliver a service to airlines that not only helps them save money in difficult economic times, but also improves the environmental performance of the aviation industry.

“As such, it is hugely encouraging to see that we are having a genuine impact and delivering real savings already, despite the seasonal increases in traffic levels.”