SITA’s machine learning-driven OptiClimb is expected to cut up to 5% of the carrier’s fuel usage upon climb-out.
Optimizing efficiencies
Since August, Singapore Airlines has been utilizing the tail-specific machine learning-driven system on its long-haul A350 jets to cut up to 5% of fuel usage during climb-out, or around 15,000 tonnes per year, coming as part of its net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 pledge.
“Singapore Airlines uses multiple levers to achieve our sustainability goals, including the latest technologies to optimize fuel efficiency in a bid to reduce carbon emissions. SITA OptiClimb® utilizes advanced analytics to support this outcome,” commented Captain Quay Chew Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Flight Operations.
“We will continue to look for innovative solutions to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
OptiClimb is the latest in SITA’s sustainability portfolio. The technology employs a mix of 4D weather forecasting to recommend ideal climb speeds before departure and previous flight data to predict fuel burn across a wide range of flight scenarios to optimize fuel utilization after take-off. The system is packaged within a seamless, user-friendly interface for flight deck crews.
“We’re extremely proud to be part of Singapore Airlines’ journey towards making aviation more sustainable, environmentally and financially,” added Yann Cabaret, SITA’s Chief Executive Officer.
“With innovative, cost-effective, and data-driven tools like SITA OptiClimb, we can help all airlines and their employees to make more informed decisions that drive greater and much-needed operational efficiencies today.”
AI future?
While the drive towards sustainable aviation has primarily been centered around Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and offsetting, AI, machine learning, and Big Data have seen quiet popularity owing to rapid technological advancements in operational efficiencies.
IATA considers improving operational efficiencies only around 3% of the required contribution to meeting the net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 goals; however, Aviation Benefits Beyond Border’s Waypoint 2050 research found that operational and infrastructure improvements could contribute at least 10% towards the same goal. Regardless, the easily implemented software has become a simple and cost-effective way for carriers to meet short and medium-term goals.
Speaking to Simple Flying earlier this year, SITA’s European President Sergio Colella highlighted some of OptiClimb’s features, noting the potential to optimize up to over 5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year if all carriers were to make the switch to the technology. OptiClimb is compatible with all aircraft types, allowing quick implementation into flight decks.
SITA has found widespread success with its operational and IT solutions, working alongside 2,500 customers worldwide, including airlines, airports, and governments, to create seamless, sustainable, and efficient travel. OptiClimb has already found success with several carriers, including AeroLogic and Transavia, which celebrated the ease of integration into its system and contribution towards its own environmental goals.
Source: IATA, Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders
