The aviation industry’s commitment to a sustainable future is clear. One example is the recent findings from the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Fuel Efficiency Gap Analysis (FEGA). Every measure to reduce fuel consumption is imperative for airlines to meet their net zero carbon emissions by 2050 target.
A Notable Case: LOT Polish Airlines
LOT Polish Airlines is among the carriers that have taken the FEGA assessment, with impressive results. The analysis unveiled opportunities to cut annual fuel consumption by several percentages. In terms of environmental impact, this reduces tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon from LOT’s yearly operations.
Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist, underscores the significance of these findings. “Every drop counts. Since its inception in 2005, FEGA has helped airlines identify cumulative savings of 15.2 million tonnes of carbon. That is, by cutting fuel consumption by 4.76 million tonnes. LOT is the latest example of an airline exploring all opportunities to achieve every incremental efficiency possible in fuel consumption. That’s good for the environment and for the bottom line.”
Furthermore, FEGA’s average results indicate fuel savings of 4.4% for every airline assessed. If these savings are applied across the board, it would be like taking 3.4 million fuel-powered cars off the roads.
The Power of Analysis
Diving deeper into LOT’s operations, FEGA compared industry standards in flight dispatch, ground operations, and in-flight processes. The most marked fuel savings were discovered in flight planning, refueling operations, and the implementation of eco-friendly aviation measures.
Dorota Dmuchowska, Chief Operating Officer at LOT Polish Airlines, said: “FEGA revealed specific areas where fuel efficiency improvements can be made. The next step is implementation to achieve improved environmental performance and lower operating costs.”
Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Commercial Products and Services, added: “FEGA is a key IATA offering. The audit benefits the airline undergoing the process thanks to reduced fuel use. It also helps the whole industry improve its environmental performance. Those benefits will grow as FEGA continuously becomes more effective with accumulated experience and growing capabilities using anonymized and aggregated airline data. Most importantly, realizing the FEGA identified savings will be an important support as airlines transition to SAF in pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050.”
The Role of the IATA Fuel Efficiency Program
Initiated in 2005, the IATA Fuel Efficiency Program helps airlines pinpoint and act on opportunities for fuel conservation and emissions reduction. IATA Consulting steers the program. They use a combination of expert insights and vast aviation data to guide airlines toward greener and more efficient practices. Since the program’s launch, IATA has conducted 114 FEGA audits.
About IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) serves as the voice for approximately 300 airlines, constituting about 83% of the world’s air traffic. Dedicated to improving the aviation industry’s cost-effectiveness and shrinking its environmental footprint, IATA is a pivotal player in shaping a sustainable future.