What is Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in aviation?

In 1982, the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO, agreed to study the feasibility of the reduction of the vertical airspace capacity between FL290 and FL410 from 2000ft to 1000ft. This is basically a theoretical doubling of the airspace capacity. The RVSM concept was implemented on 24 January 2002 in 41 European and North African countries, resulted in substantial benefits. It allows aircraft to safely fly at more optimum flight levels, gain fuel savings and increase airspace capacity meaning more traffic. Aircraft and crew has to be approved to fly in this airspace and the concept was expanded internationally.

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