Save fuel and cost: Boeing

CUT COSTS   AVIATION INDUSTRY   BOEING

Global - Boeing will be increasing efforts to save fuel and reduce costs in the aviation industry by communicating more with pilots.

The company will be communicating with in-flight pilots directly via a new programme channelling real-time updates on wind and routes to cockpits, Reuters reported.

It aims to allow crew to save time, cost, and manage the use of fuel through efficient flight plans.

The Wind Updates will offer a more accurate analysis of current wind operations while Direct Routes will suggest alternative course adjustments based on weather and traffic conditions, allowing pilots to alter course, speed, and altitude to save fuel.

Derek Gefroh, programme manager for Boeing's in-flight optimisation services said: "In fact, for most airlines there's no additional optimisation that takes place while the airplane is in the air to take advantage of emergent opportunities to save time and fuel."

Boeing has begun tracking its fleet to better respond to operational requirements.

It is becoming a global priority in the aviation industry to save fuel costs as it is the largest expenditure after labour, taking up about one third of the industry's operating costs.

Expenses for major US airlines have gone up about 16% while the net income fell to 66%, according to industry figures. Fuel expenses have also increased by 38%.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a programme to assist airlines in saving fuel by cutting a minute off each flight.

Airplanes spend an average of $100 per minute per flight, according to IATA.

"Given higher energy prices and the outlook for continued higher energy prices, anything airlines in general can do to mitigate fuel costs is obviously hugely positive," said Helane Becker, an analyst with Dahlman Rose & Co.

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