Definition

Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO) is defined as international flights by transport category airplanes with two or more turbine engines where the diversion time to an en route alternate airport is greater than 60 minutes, and/or the threshold time established by the State of the Operator.

EDTO offers a measure of efficiency. On a long flight, particularly over a vast ocean, an aircraft might need to fly a longer route than a straight course to the destination to remain within 60 minutes of a diversion airport. But if approved for EDTO, the aircraft can fly a shorter, straight-line route (or at least a more direct route), as depicted in the graphic below.

Flights of such distance can require as many as three different kinds of diversion, or alternate airports: