The FAA has released its 2013 NextGen Implementation Plan, updating estimates of cost and time savings to help gain support for the program.

Between now and 2020, the FAA estimates NextGen improvements will reduce aviation delays by 41 percent compared with what would happen if no further NextGen improvements were made from this point forward. The agency also estimates that NextGen will save 1.6 billion gallons of fuel, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 16 million metric tons in the same time span.

Reduced delays, fuel savings, and other improvements translate to $38 billion in economic benefits according to the plan. There is no question that helicopter operators in the Gulf of Mexico who have equipped their aircraft with ADS-B have seen not only huge safety benefits, but increased clearances for IFR flight, and point to point travel – savings which translate into reduced fuel consumption due to shortened flight time. The safety benefits derived from automatic weather reporting stations in the Gulf have also lead to increased safety and awareness of quickly changing flight conditions.