The atmosphere contains powerful currents known as jet streams. Depending on the season and weather patterns, these winds can significantly affect the amount of time an aircraft needs to cross the Atlantic.
When the winds are favorable, aircraft can take advantage of them to reduce travel time and fuel consumption.
When they are unfavorable, pilots and dispatchers may select different altitudes or routes to minimize their effect.
Airlines therefore don’t simply draw a straight line between two airports and send the airplane along it.
Flight planning is much more complicated.
Weather, winds, air traffic, fuel requirements, aircraft performance, and safety all have to be considered.
The Atlantic Has Invisible Highways
Another fascinating detail is that transatlantic aircraft don’t simply fly wherever they want.
The North Atlantic has an organized system of routes known as the North Atlantic Tracks, or NAT tracks.
These routes are adjusted regularly according to weather, winds, and traffic conditions.
Hundreds of aircraft may cross the Atlantic during busy periods, so organizing their movements is essential.
Imagine an invisible highway stretching across the ocean, with aircraft moving along carefully planned lanes at different altitudes and times.
Pilots, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, and airlines all work together to make this enormous system function safely.
