Emirates has been actively working to minimize fuel consumption and emissions since 2016 through its “Green Operating Procedures” (Green Ops). This initiative focuses on reducing fuel use both on the ground and in-flight, providing pilots with education, data analytics, and technology to manage flights efficiently.
An internal Operations Efficiency Steering Group leads Emirates’ efforts to cut unnecessary fuel burn and emissions while maintaining the highest safety standards. In the financial year 2023-2024, Green Ops and other initiatives helped Emirates reduce fuel burn by more than 48,000 tonnes and cut carbon emissions by over 151,000 tonnes.
Captain Hassan Al Hammadi, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, praised the Flight Operations team and pilots for their discipline and commitment to sustainable practices. He highlighted the importance of equipping pilots with tools and applications to monitor and improve flight performance, contributing to reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
Key Operational Measures for Fuel Efficiency
- Discretionary Extra Fuel: The flight commander ensures each flight carries enough fuel for safe operations. Captains may choose to carry extra fuel based on operational needs. By providing data and analysis, Emirates helps Captains make informed decisions about fuel uplift, significantly reducing the amount of extra fuel carried.
- Flight Speed Optimization: An aircraft’s speed impacts its fuel consumption and emissions. Pilots calculate optimized flight speeds to minimize operating costs while adhering to schedules. Adjusting speed based on operating conditions helps decrease fuel consumption without compromising flight integrity.
- Reduced Flap Landing: Emirates pilots select flap settings that minimize aerodynamic drag during landing, reducing fuel consumption. This decision varies based on runway conditions but always prioritizes safety.
- Idle Reverse Thrust: After landing, pilots can use different levels of reverse thrust to decelerate the aircraft. Emirates pilots prioritize idle reverse thrust to reduce fuel consumption, depending on runway length and conditions.
- Reduced Engine Taxi-In (RETI): During ground taxiing after landing, not all engines are needed. Emirates pilots use reduced engine taxiing by shutting down one or two engines, depending on the aircraft configuration, to save fuel without compromising safety or efficiency.
- Optimized Flight Routings: Since 2003, Emirates has used flexible flight routes, optimizing each route flown between cities. Working with air traffic control and industry bodies, the airline reduces fuel use and emissions while saving time for customers.
- Flight Pulse: Emirates introduced FlightPulse, a data analytics tool developed with GE Digital Aviation Services, to its pilots. This tool provides operational data and analytics on flight safety and fuel efficiency, enhancing collaboration between Flight Operations management and pilots, ultimately improving flight efficiency.
- Center of Gravity Optimization: The aircraft’s center of gravity (CG) affects flight safety and efficiency. Emirates ensures proper weight and balance by loading aircraft close to the ideal trim line, saving fuel through increased aerodynamic efficiency.
- APU Usage: Emirates minimizes the use of the aircraft auxiliary power unit (APU) on the ground, using the electrical ground power unit (GPU) instead to reduce emissions. This initiative has cut APU use by more than 30%.
- Adjusted Potable Water Uplift: Emirates calculates the exact amount of potable water needed for each flight to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency without compromising passenger comfort.
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