The new rule reduces the long-standing vertical separation minimum of 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet, thus doubling the number of routes airlines can fly between 29,000 feet and 41,000 feet, an FAA press release said.
The rule was heralded by the FAA and industry alike.
"This action ... gives pilots and air traffic controllers more choices to allow aircraft to fly more direct routes at the most fuel-efficient altitudes," FAA Administrator Marion Blakey said in a statement.
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The rule was heralded by the FAA and industry alike.
"This action ... gives pilots and air traffic controllers more choices to allow aircraft to fly more direct routes at the most fuel-efficient altitudes," FAA Administrator Marion Blakey said in a statement.
More from CNN
