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Airlines’ path to net zero: the best levers for achieving rapid decarbonization gains

The Sustainability Index developed by Roland Berger and OpenAirlines assesses and compares the maturity levels of four key aviation decarbonization levers: fleet efficiency, operational practices, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and innovation.

Download the Index

Whether you’re shaping strategy, evaluating investments, or simply trying to understand the realities behind aviation’s net-zero path, this report provides a concise and practical roadmap for your analysis.

Aviation’s largest study to highlight the path to decarbonization 

Built on the analysis of 150 airlines and millions of operational data points, it offers a holistic picture of how prepared airlines truly are to decarbonize, as well as where critical gaps remain.

Drawing on operational insights from one of the widest flight data sample groups and criteria used in such a study, it highlights which decarbonization measures deliver the quickest results, where the industry stands today, and what needs to happen next for meaningful progress.

Four levers analyzed. Four maturity curves.

• Fleet efficiency: The study exposes structural differences between airline types and regions.
• Operational practices: Often overlooked in sustainability strategies, operational improvements appear to be a decisive short-term lever. The Index evaluates the maturity of six operational practices, enabling airlines to benchmark themselves against global peers.
• SAF development: With demand rising faster than supply, SAF is becoming a battleground. The Index assesses airlines’ procurement strategies, regional challenges, and the emerging mechanisms designed to secure access and contain costs.
• Innovation: The study explores the innovation areas where airlines can unlock efficiency gains, ranging from digital tools to aircraft weight-reduction initiatives.

Toulouse, November 18, 2025 – With rising cost pressures and evolving regulations, aviation is entering a phase where operational efficiency is no longer optional—it must be embedded within pilot training to drive both performance and environmental stewardship. That’s why OpenAirlines –  the global leader in airline operational efficiency solutions – and Simaero – a key global player in pilot training – are proud to announce a strategic partnership to deliver comprehensive value through training-to-operations solutions for airlines.  

Through this collaboration, Simaero and OpenAirlines will integrate eco-flying analytics and fuel optimization technology into simulator-based pilot training programs, bridging technical skill development with real-world operational efficiency. This end-to-end approach equips airlines to incorporate core performance and sustainability principles into the early stages of the training process, extending their impact to in-flight decision-making.

Starting in November 2025, OpenAirlines and Simaero will develop and launch a series of innovative educational approaches focused on operational efficiency and environmental stewardship across international markets. By sharing knowledge and creating relevant, actionable content, the two companies aim to promote wider adoption of responsible performance strategies at a time when fuel management optimization is becoming a key factor not only for lowering operational costs but also for reaching long-term environmental goals in the aviation industry.

“We envision an aviation future where operational excellence and environmental stewardship are seamlessly integrated outcomes. Airlines partnering with us don’t just receive trained pilots, they gain champions who contribute to both immediate profitability and long-term environmental goals. This collaboration represents the aviation industry’s evolution toward intelligent, data-driven operations where every flight optimizes both performance and planet impact, ensuring airlines thrive in an increasingly sustainability-focused marketplace.” added Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero.

Empowering Airlines for Long-Term Resilience and Growth 
 
The partnership aims to spark a broader shift in aviation by aligning commercial, environmental, and regulatory imperatives. By embedding eco-efficiency insights directly into the training ecosystem, airlines can operationalize sustainability at scale while empowering pilots to become champions who drive both immediate profitability and long-term environmental goals. This approach ensures that aviation continues to grow responsibly by addressing the critical challenges of energy performance and operational efficiency, all while keeping safety as the top priority.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to sharing our knowledge as widely as possible. By working with Simaero, we are combining two complementary strengths: their excellence in training and our expertise in fuel efficiency. Together, we aim to accelerate the shift towards a more responsible and efficient aviation industry,” concludes Alexandre Feray, CEO of OpenAirlines.

About Simaero : 
Simaero is a world-leading provider of pilot training on full-flight simulators and simulation engineering solutions. In global aviation, change is a constant. We promise to be a straightforward and continual presence in the complex training requirements of international airlines and pilots. With five training centers strategically located in France (headquarters), South Africa, China and India, Simaero trains over 5,000 pilots every year from 250+ civil and military carriers and 80+ countries. Our simulator fleet and training solutions cover the main commercial aircraft types, including Airbus, Boeing, ATR, and Embraer. 
 
More information: www.sim.aero

Simaero PR contact: 
Marion Baudru, Marketing & Communications Manager  
m.baudru@sim.aero 
+33 7 87 26 65 59 

About OpenAirlines: 
OpenAirlines is a privately-owned company comprising a team of highly qualified mathematicians, aeronautical engineers, data scientists, pilots, IT experts, and aircraft performance specialists who operate from its bases in Toulouse, Hong Kong, Miami, and Montreal. The French clean-tech is specialized in developing digital technology to help airlines achieve their sustainability and emissions targets. They developed SkyBreathe®, a comprehensive eco-flying solution for airlines to reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions, today used by 70+ airlines worldwide, including, Atlas Air, DHL, Norwegian, Air France, IndiGo, and Korean Air.

More information: https://www.openairlines.com 

OpenAirlines Press Contact: 

Solveig Moisan, Chief Strategy  &  Marketing Officer
solveig.moisan@openairlines.com

OpenAirlines is proud to support Air Transat, a leading travel brand voted Best Leisure Airline in the World in 2025 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, in a new phase of its operational performance strategy. By choosing SkyBreathe® 360°, the eco-piloting tool developed by the leader in fuel efficiency software solutions for airlines, Air Transat will benefit from advanced analytics and targeted recommendations to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. 

SkyBreathe® is an AI- and machine learning-powered platform that provides personalized recommendations to help airlines make informed decisions about fuel consumption. Leveraging the largest existing energy efficiency database, with over 21 million flights analyzed, SkyBreathe® offers Air Transat the opportunity to reduce its fuel consumption and achieve a sustainable reduction in CO₂ emissions.

With its 360° approach, SkyBreathe® addresses all fuel-saving needs of an airline and involves all key stakeholders: pilots, flight dispatchers, engineers, operations managers, and fuel management teams. This holistic approach fosters collaborative use of the tool and helps support an eco-conscious culture within the airline while maximizing operational efficiency.

Air Transat will also benefit from the ongoing support of an OpenAirlines fuel efficiency expert who will guide them throughout their SkyBreathe® journey. This will enable the airline to ensure rapid integration of the tool, progressively reach its fuel-saving goals, and improve its environmental performance.

“We are pleased to deploy SkyBreathe® within our airline operations and convinced that the transition to this new platform will enable more informed decision-making, as well as greater flexibility and analytical capabilities. This tool is part of our decarbonization plan and represents a key pillar of our energy efficiency roadmap,” said Dave Bourdages, Vice President, Flight Operations at Air Transat.

“We are thrilled to support Air Transat in this new chapter as they continue to pursue their work to optimize their operations and energy efficiency,” added Alexandre Feray, CEO of OpenAirlines. “We are confident they will achieve significant fuel and CO₂ savings with SkyBreathe®, and that our tools, along with the SkyBreathe® Community, will provide them with the resources necessary to make major advances in their fuel management program.”

By joining the SkyBreathe® Community, Air Transat gains access to a global network of over 70 airlines sharing a common vision: reducing aviation’s environmental impact. This community fosters collaboration and experience-sharing, enabling members to draw inspiration from collective innovations and strengthen their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint while advancing together toward a more sustainable aviation sector.

French version available here. 

About Air Transat

Founded in Montreal 37 years ago, Air Transat is a leading travel brand, voted Best Leisure Airline in the World in 2025 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Its program offers access to international destinations primarily in Europe, the Caribbean, the U.S. East Coast, South America, and North Africa. Air Transat is renowned for the excellence of its customer service. Its fleet includes some of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in their category. Headquartered in Montreal, the airline operates major hubs at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). With 5,000 employees sharing the mission to bring people closer together, Air Transat is a subsidiary of Transat A.T. Inc. (TSX: TRZ). www.airtransat.com

Air Transat media contact:
communications@transat.com

About OpenAirlines

OpenAirlines is a privately-owned company comprising a team of highly qualified mathematicians, aeronautical engineers, data scientists, pilots, IT experts, and aircraft performance specialists who operate from its bases in Toulouse, Hong Kong, Miami, and Montreal.

The French clean-tech is specialized in developing digital technology to help airlines achieve their sustainability and emissions targets. They developed SkyBreathe®, a comprehensive eco-flying solution for airlines to reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions, today used by 70+ airlines worldwide, including, Atlas Air, DHL, Norwegian, Air France, IndiGo, and Korean Air.

More information: https://www.openairlines.com 

OpenAirlines media contact:

Solveig Moisan, Chief Marketing Officer
solveig.moisan@openairlines.com

Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), a leading Japanese cargo airline, announced today that it has chosen the SkyBreathe® eco-flying solution to reduce fuel costs and CO₂ emissions. Developed by the French company OpenAirlines, SkyBreathe® is the leading solution in the marketplace. It leverages Big Data and AI to help NCA strengthen its decarbonization strategy and significantly enhance the efficiency of its operations. 

With the rising cost of kerosene and the target set by IATA to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, airlines are under immense economic pressure. This collaboration is part of NCA’s ongoing commitment to continuously improve flight efficiency while managing fuel consumption. By adopting SkyBreathe®, the airline embraces an advanced solution that uses Big Data to intelligently analyze flight data to uncover fuel-saving opportunities and drive actionable strategies for reducing its carbon footprint.

Already adopted by over 72 airlines worldwide, SkyBreathe® can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%, resulting in significant CO₂ and operational cost savings.

The solution is designed to empower many stakeholders to contribute effectively to the fuel program with concrete recommendations for pilots, flight operations managers, fuel managers, dispatchers, and maintenance engineers, fostering cooperation and a culture of eco-performance.

With the integrated feature SkyBreathe® Advisor, NCA will benefit from the first domain-trained AI dedicated to operational efficiency. Embedded in the SkyBreathe® 360° ecoflying platform, this intelligent assistant helps fuel teams prioritize the most impactful initiatives by providing smart, actionable recommendations. Built on the world’s largest fuel efficiency dataset, with over 15 million flights and more than a decade of operational data, SkyBreathe® Advisor leverages advanced algorithms to automate complex analyses, boost productivity, and maximize fuel savings.

As part of this partnership, NCA will also integrate the SkyBreathe® MyFuelCoach app, a fuel assistant explicitly designed for pilots. The app provides personalized feedback to pilots before and after each flight, enabling them to gain deeper insights into the environmental performance of their flight, identify concrete areas for improvement, and apply simple, effective techniques to reduce fuel consumption. By supporting pilots with tailored guidance, SkyBreathe® MyFuelCoach will actively contribute to NCA’s broader efficiency strategy, strengthening the alignment between in-flight actions and the airline’s overall environmental and operational goals.

“We are pleased to introduce SkyBreathe® in partnership with OpenAirlines. We will utilize the accumulated flight data to further strengthen our efforts to improve flight efficiency and reduce our environmental impact, while raising awareness throughout the company and promoting ESG management.” Hiroyuki Homma, President & Chief Executive Officer of Nippon Cargo Airlines 

“We are proud to support Nippon Cargo Airlines in their progress and operational efficiency goals. This partnership marks our first collaboration in Japan, and we are confident that the SkyBreathe® platform will enable NCA to fully leverage its flight data to make informed decisions while engaging its entire team in an efficiency-driven culture.” continued Alexandre Feray, CEO of OpenAirlines.

By choosing SkyBreathe®, NCA joins a global community of industry players committed to more responsible aviation. This partnership illustrates the shared vision between NCA and OpenAirlines: a more sustainable aviation industry that combines economic performance with environmental responsibility.

About Nippon Cargo Airlines 

Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), based at Narita International Airport, is a Japanese cargo airline operating a fleet of eight Boeing 747-8F aircraft. Since its founding in 1978, NCA has built a cargo network connecting major logistics hubs in Asia, the Americas, and Europe, meeting a wide range of transportation needs. In this milestone year marking the 40th anniversary of its first commercial flight, NCA is actively working to improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact, aiming to realize more sustainable operations in response to changing times. 

More information: https://www.nca.aero/

About OpenAirlines

OpenAirlines is a privately-owned company comprising a team of highly qualified mathematicians, aeronautical engineers, data scientists, pilots, IT experts, and aircraft performance specialists who operate from its bases in Toulouse, Hong Kong, Miami, and Montreal.

The French clean-tech is specialized in developing digital technology to help airlines achieve their sustainability and emissions targets. They developed SkyBreathe®, a comprehensive eco-flying solution for airlines to reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions, today used by 70+ airlines worldwide, including, Atlas Air, DHL, Norwegian, Air France, IndiGo, and Korean Air.

More information: https://www.openairlines.com 

PR contacts

Nippon Cargo Airlines Co., Ltd.
Public Relations 
Phone: +81-476-30-394
E-mail：ncapr@nca.aero

OpenAirlines
Solveig Moisan, Chief Marketing Officer
solveig.moisan@openairlines.com

Seoul, October 1, 2025 – Jin Air, a leading South Korean airline, has launched a major initiative to reduce carbon emissions by implementing SkyBreathe®, the fuel management software developed by OpenAirlines. The platform will help the airline align with global decarbonization efforts by automating data analysis and improving efficiency and accuracy through advanced visualization tools. Pilots will also be able to actively engage in fuel-saving practices through the dedicated mobile app, SkyBreathe® MyFuelCoach.

The SkyBreathe® platform, developed by OpenAirlines, a leading solution in airlines’ fuel efficiency, leverages big data and AI to provide actionable insights for carbon reduction. By precisely analyzing fuel consumption across every phase of flight operations, it recommends optimal measures to reduce emissions, helping the airline implement more effective and eco-friendly operational strategies.

Through this introduction, Jin Air will not only reduce carbon emissions but also establish a proactive response system in line with global decarbonization efforts. Manual data extraction and analysis, previously handled by staff, are now automated, resulting in significant improvements in efficiency. Easier data sharing across departments will also enhance the accuracy and speed of decision-making for sustainable operations.

In addition to fuel managers, maintenance engineers, dispatchers, and air operations managers, pilots can also contribute to carbon reduction efforts through a dedicated application designed specifically for them. SkyBreathe® MyFuelCoach enables them to view eco-friendly operational data, including technical information on CO₂ reduction measures from past flights across various operational phases.

Following this introduction, Jin Air plans to establish an in-house consultative body to enhance communication between departments and further improve its eco-friendly operational capabilities.

A Jin Air representative said, “Decarbonization is a global trend for a sustainable future. We will enhance our company-wide, data-driven cooperation system to respond to climate change and establish ourselves as a ‘green airline’ leading low-carbon growth.”

“We are proud to welcome Jin Air to the SkyBreathe® Community, which now brings together more than 75 airlines worldwide committed to reducing their environmental footprint. By joining this growing network, Jin Air will not only benefit from advanced AI-driven fuel efficiency solutions but also from the collective intelligence and best practices shared among leading carriers. We are excited to work hand in hand with Jin Air to achieve meaningful impact.” said Alexandre Feray, CEO of OpenAirlines.

Meanwhile, Jin Air is carrying out a variety of initiatives to achieve eco-friendly green management. Last year, the airline introduced four fuel-efficient B737-8 aircraft, and it plans to add the A321NEO in the second half of next year. Both aircraft types offer higher fuel efficiency, supporting carbon emission reduction. Since November last year, Jin Air has also been actively contributing to greenhouse gas reduction by starting the refueling of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend on the Incheon–Kitakyushu route.

Other initiatives include minimizing paper use by adopting in-flight tablet PCs and mobile boarding passes, expanding the purchase of eco-friendly, green-certified products, conducting a uniform upcycling campaign, and participating in local community-linked environmental protection activities.

About Jin Air: 

Jin Air is a leading LCC in Asia, offering extensive domestic and international flights since its establishment in 2008. We connect South Korea to a vast network, including major destinations in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Jin Air operates a fleet consisting of Boeing 737s and 777-200ER aircraft, offering comfortable and affordable travel options. The airline provides a variety of valued services, such as free checked baggage, in-flight shopping, and pre-ordered meals. Jin Air prioritizes customer satisfaction and has consecutively passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit, further emphasizing the airline’s dedication to safety.

Jin Air media contact:

Communications Team
Email : jinairpr@jinair.com
Phone : +82-2-3660-5955

About OpenAirlines:

OpenAirlines is a privately-owned company comprising a team of highly qualified mathematicians, aeronautical engineers, data scientists, pilots, IT experts, and aircraft performance specialists who operate from its bases in Toulouse, Hong Kong, Miami, and Montreal.

The French clean-tech is specialized in developing digital technology to help airlines achieve their sustainability and emissions targets. They developed SkyBreathe®, a comprehensive eco-flying solution for airlines to reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions, today used by 75+ airlines worldwide, including, IndiGo, DHL, Norwegian, Air France, Philippine Airlines and Korean Air.

OpenAirlines Press Contact: 

Solveig Moisan, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer
solveig.moisan@openairlines.com

Katowice, Poland – 08.08.2025 – Wizz Air improves fuel efficiency by implementing StorkJet’s FlyGuide FPO (Flight Path Optimization) across its entire fleet. 

With the FlyGuide FPO module, pilots are supported with real-time, tail-specific recommendations for optimal speeds and altitudes during climb, cruise, and descent, delivered directly via FlyGuide EFB app. It provides clear, actionable guidance, helping pilots make better in-flight decisions. 

Before deploying FlyGuide FPO pilots were using the FMS (Flight Management System) to determine the most optimal speeds and altitudes. As this technology originates from the 1990s​, it is generic, uses simplified calculations and limited weather inputs, resulting in lower precision. It does not provide feedback to flight crews, leaving pilots to rely on manual decision-making​.  

With FlyGuide FPO pilots get real-time recommendations about speeds and altitudes, together with quick insight on alternative scenarios – including the cost difference when making other decisions. FlyGuide FPO uses highly accurate, data-driven performance models, high-resolution weather, and full integration of flight profiles using cloud computing. Pilots also get insights to understand why the optimum is where it is, what are the penalties if they cannot maintain it, as well as feedback after the flight. 

That is why, during the trial period, 88% of Wizz Air’s pilots reported using FlyGuide FPO on almost every flight, saying it improved their situational awareness and provided easy-to-follow guidance. After more than 10,000 test flights, the results spoke for themselves: a fuel reduction of 0.5% to 1% per flight. 

The implementation of the FlyGuide FPO continues a successful collaboration that started in 2019. From that time, Wizz Air has adopted the full range of StorkJet’s solutions, including AdvancedAPM (Aircraft Performance Monitoring for precise fuel planning), FuelPro (Fuel Efficiency Dashboard to save across 48 areas of operations) and FlyGuide (EFB App to support pilots in operational decision-making). 

“FlyGuide FPO has proven to be a practical and effective tool for our pilots,” said Diarmuid Ó Conghaile, Chief Operations Officer at Wizz Air. “It fits seamlessly into daily operations, supports better decision-making in real time, and delivers real savings. We are pleased to work with StorkJet on solutions that bring operational benefits.” 

“One of the key advantages of FlyGuide FPO is its ability to deliver tail-specific optimization directly to pilots in a clear and actionable way. This not only translates into 0,5%-1% of fuel savings per flight but also supports decision-making in real time. The fact that most pilots use it on almost every flight speaks for itself.” said Renata Niedziela, CEO of StorkJet. 

With FlyGuide FPO now fully integrated across the whole fleet (including NEO and CEO models, as well as XLR), Wizz Air improves efficiency and gives its – over 2,000 pilots – better tools to make more informed decisions during every flight in areas that directly influence fuel consumption. 

About Wizz Air: 
Wizz Air operates a fleet of 237 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. A team of dedicated aviation professionals delivers superior service and low fares, Wizz Air estimates to become the preferred choice of 75 million passengers in 2025. Wizz Air is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker WIZZ. The company was recently named one of the world’s top ten safest airlines by airlineratings.com, the world’s only safety and product rating agency, and named Airline of the Year by Air Transport Awards in 2019 and in 2023. Wizz Air has also been recognized as the “Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline” within the World Finance Sustainability Awards in 2021-2025 and the “EMEA’s most Environmental Sustainability Airline Group of the Year” by the CAPA-Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence 2024. 

About StorkJet:
StorkJet specializes in SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solutions and consulting services that help airlines enhance fuel efficiency and operational performance. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Machine Learning, physics-based modeling, and big data analytics, StorkJet delivers advanced tools to drive measurable results with its comprehensive product portfolio, which consists of: 

• AdvancedAPM, Aircraft Performance Monitoring for accurate fuel planning, 
• FuelPro, which helps gain savings across 48 fuel initiatives from all flight phases 
• FlyGuide, an EFB application for pilots, which helps them plan the flight in an optimum and informative way and gives intuitive feedback after the flight. 
• The FlyGuide Flight Path Optimization (FPO) module provides pilots with optimum speeds and altitudes for climb, cruise, and descent, along with high-resolution weather data on the flight route. 

It spans all fuel-efficiency domains and supports all aircraft types, offering unparalleled flexibility and making StorkJet your one-stop partner for fuel optimization. 

• Lufthansa Systems combines three decades of experience with forward-looking technology
• From cloud-based operations to AI-driven efficiency – Lufthansa Systems sets new standards in aviation IT
• The future of aviation IT is intelligent, connected, and automated

Raunheim, 7^th August 2025. For 30 years, Lufthansa Systems has been at the forefront of aviation IT, driving digital transformation and enabling airlines to become smarter and more efficient. Founded in 1995 to elevate Lufthansa’s IT operations, the company quickly became a driving force in the digital evolution of the aviation sector. Today, its impressive product portfolio supports many critical airline business processes on the flight deck, in the cabin, and on the ground, serving more than 350 customers worldwide across all sizes and business models.

Lufthansa Systems continues to lead with cutting-edge technologies that address the most pressing challenges in aviation. They meet these requirements by utilizing advanced technologies and developing solutions designed to enhance airline operations’ predictability and efficiency.

The paperless flight deck is now a reality – and without Lufthansa Systems, who introduced digital navigation charts back in 2004, it wouldn’t be. Lido Flight 4D Integrated Flight Support (IFS) continues to optimize routes, enhancing efficiency while contributing to sustainability goals by reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. As the industry embraces new distribution models, Lufthansa Systems is setting new standards by redefining financial processes. SIRAX/ONE Order allows airlines to seamlessly integrate revenue accounting into an order-focused environment, simplifying financial management and enhancing transparency. The smart operations control assistant NetLine/Ops++ aiOCC uses reinforcement learning to enable real-time disruption management, helping airlines minimize delays and optimize resources. Another recent innovation generates profitable flight schedules from scratch or refines existing ones, allowing the airline to adapt to volatile market conditions and maximize network profitability swiftly.

“For 30 years, Lufthansa Systems has been shaping aviation IT with cutting-edge solutions. From AI-driven operational control to seamless financial processes and optimized flight planning, our technology has helped airlines to navigate a fast-changing industry. The future of aviation IT is intelligent, connected, and automated – and Lufthansa Systems is leading the way,” said Stefanie Neumann, CEO of Lufthansa Systems.

Cloud-based infrastructure and intelligent IT solutions drive the innovation strategy of Lufthansa Systems. By enabling optimized flight planning, digitalized processes, and scalable cloud solutions, airlines reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring operational flexibility. The Global Aviation Cloud offers a highly secure and scalable environment for mission-critical applications, built on partnerships with Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. This multi-cloud approach enables seamless deployment across diverse airline systems, reducing environmental impact while enhancing operational flexibility.

As sustainability becomes a defining factor in aviation, smart IT solutions play a critical role – from AI-driven route optimization to digitalized workflows and cloud-based efficiencies that reduce hardware dependency.

“We need a holistic approach to aviation technology: The demand for integrated solutions is growing as airlines shift from solving isolated departmental challenges to enhancing cross-functional collaboration. Our iterative, agile approach to development is key to driving innovation and ensuring technology meets real-world needs faster and more effectively,” said Neumann. “AI still has its limitations, but its potential is vast – and the next decade will see it play an even more critical role in shaping the future of aviation. That’s why Lufthansa Systems is investing heavily in cloud-based solutions, AI-driven decision-making, and real-time operational control systems to drive this transformation.”

About Lufthansa Systems
Lufthansa Systems GmbH, the leading airline IT provider, has been shaping the future of digital aviation for 30 years. Helping airlines unlock their full potential, the company combines profound industry know-how with advanced technological expertise. A subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, the company offers its more than 350 customers worldwide a portfolio with often market-leading products that cover all airline business processes – on the flight deck, in the cabin, and on the ground. Lufthansa Systems is committed to improving its own environ­mental footprint and that of its airline customers of all sizes and business models. Headquartered in Raunheim near Frankfurt/Main, Germany, Lufthansa Systems employs around 3,000 people at its locations in 16 countries.
www.LHsystems.com

Press Contact
Lufthansa Systems GmbH
Press Office
Mr. Ansgar Luebbehusen
Mrs. Ida Seibert
Tel.: +49 (0)69 696 90000
E-Mail: publicrelations@LHsystems.com

Am Messeplatz 1
65479 Raunheim
Registration: Amtsgericht Darmstadt, HRB 105392
Managing Director: Stefanie Neumann

With Digital Winglets™ Porter saves 2-3 Percent of Fuel Per Optimized Flight and Improves On-time Performance Network-wide

Toronto, Canada, and Seattle, Washington, USA – July 30, 2025  – Porter Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Canada, and APiJET, the developer of the leading flight path optimization offering, Digital Winglets™, have announced the deployment of Digital Winglets™ across Porter Airlines’ North American fleet of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. 

Digital Winglets™ is a flight path optimization (FPO) solution that builds on NASA’s Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR) technology. NASA’s TASAR, along with APiJET’s proprietary algorithms, mapping technologies and live aircraft state data solutions, enable air carriers worldwide to make deconflicted, route-specific flight optimization decisions to save fuel, improve schedule reliability and on-time performance, and reduce carbon emissions.

Porter Airlines operates the world’s largest fleet of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, and the deployment of Digital Winglets™ will allow them to save 2-3% fuel and 1-2 minutes per  optimized flight, while reducing delays network-wide.

“Digital Winglets™ provides a powerful suite of tools that allow us to optimize flights in real-time for the most fuel-efficient routing, which improves on-time performance and helps us deliver the elevated passenger experience that Porter is known for,” said Kent Woodside, executive vice president and COO at Porter Airlines. “The time and cost of introducing new technology across a fleet can be challenging. Deploying Digital Winglets™ was seamless, and APiJET provided a personal level of hands-on support throughout the process. Our continuing fleet expansion means that each new aircraft is seamlessly added to the platform immediately.” 

“With Digital Winglets™, Porter can optimize to save fuel and reduce enroute time, improving schedule performance while achieving emissions reductions as well. Porter has a bold vision for expansion, and we are excited to work with them to further achieve their objectives for customer experience and efficiency,” said Rob Green, CEO of APiJET. 

Digital Winglets™ is architected with a unique combination of online and ground-based technologies which allowed Porter to deploy it quickly and seamlessly into their fleet of 46 Embraer E195-E2 , with no hardware or software to install. As Porter continues its planned expansion of up to 100 Embraer E195-E2s, the benefits of Digital Winglets™ will be immediately available with no additional work. 

About Porter
Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

About APiJET

Based in Seattle, WA, APiJET is the aviation software company behind Digital Winglets™, the flight route optimization solution that provides real-time, conflict-free, alternative flight paths. Digital Winglets™ continuously analyzes flight telemetry, including aircraft performance, wind, restricted airspace, convective weather, turbulence, and conflicting traffic, recommending real-time, conflict-free vertical and lateral rerouting. Digital Winglets™ reduces fuel burn and flight time, accelerating sustainability goals.

Contact:

Porter: media@flyporter.com

APiJET: press@apijet.com

Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan have selected StorkJet to provide a comprehensive suite of fuel efficiency solutions following a thorough evaluation process. These innovative, data-driven technologies will streamline flight operations to reduce the airline’s carbon footprint, lower operating costs, and support sustainable growth.

Air Astana has been a StorkJet customer since 2019, initially using the AdvancedAPM service. After experiencing firsthand the reliability and impact of StorkJet’s solutions, the airline decided to expand the partnership.

As part of the new agreement, AdvancedAPM will cover the entire fleet, delivering accurate, tail-specific performance factors. This will enable Air Astana to improve daily fuel planning, reduce overburns, lower fuel consumption, and enhance flight safety.

In addition, the airline will implement Idle Factor Optimization toimprove descent efficiency and energy management.

FuelPro, StorkJet’s web-based fuel efficiency dashboard, will track distinct fuel initiatives across all flight phases. Powered by tail-specific performance models, FuelPro supports teams such as Fuel Management, Flight Operations, and Dispatch by enabling analysis of historical flights, simulation of scenarios, and identify precise saving opportunities – leading to better decision-making and improved operational efficiency.

Pilot engagement remains a cornerstone of Air Astana’s fuel efficiency strategy. To support this, the airline is implementing FlyGuide – StorkJet’s EFB application designed by pilots, for pilots. FlyGuide offers targeted insights through pre-flight fuel briefings, in-flight support, and post-flight feedback, promoting continuous operational improvement.

FlyGuide FPO (Flight Path Optimization) EFB application provides full-flight optimization by providing flight-specific optimized speed and altitude profiles.

Air Astana will also implement StorkJet’s newest innovation: FuelPro Lab. Combining deep fuel analysis expertise with AI-powered Large Language Models, this advanced framework uses QAR data to generate custom parameters, models, visualizations, and complex analyses – delivering results in seconds.

“Air Astana is proud to partner with StorkJet as we expand our data-driven approach to fuel efficiency,” said Eoin O’Malley, Head of Operations Technical & Transformation at Air Astana. “By placing our pilots and dispatchers at the center of our fuel efficiency program, StorkJet’s tail-specific performance modeling, AI-powered analytics, and intuitive pilot EFB applications provide the necessary insights and tools needed to reduce our environmental footprint, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational performance.”

About Air Astana and FlyArystan

Air Astana Group is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size. The Group operates a fleet of 61 aircraft split between Air Astana, its full-service airline that operated its inaugural flight in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019. The Group provides scheduled, point-to-point and transit, short-haul and long-haul air travel and cargo on domestic, regional and international routes across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Middle East, India and Europe. Air Astana was recognised fourteen times in a row as the “Best Airline in Central Asia and CIS” at the Skytrax World Airline Awards and received a five-star rating in the major airline category by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). The Group is listed on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, Astana International Exchange and London Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: AIRA).

For more information, visit www.airastana.com and www.flyarystan.com.

About StorkJet
StorkJet specializes in SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solutions and consulting services that help airlines enhance fuel efficiency and operational performance. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Machine Learning, physics-based modeling, and big data analytics, StorkJet delivers advanced tools to drive measurable results with its comprehensive product portfolio, which consists of:

• AdvancedAPM, Aircraft Performance Monitoring for accurate fuel planning,
• FuelPro, which helps gain savings across 48 fuel initiatives from all flight phases
• FlyGuide, an EFB application for pilots, which helps them plan the flight in an optimum and informative way and gives intuitive feedback after the flight.
• The FlyGuide Flight Path Optimization (FPO) module provides pilots with optimum speeds and altitudes for climb, cruise, and descent, along with high-resolution weather data on the flight route.

It spans all fuel-efficiency domains and supports all aircraft types, offering unparalleled flexibility and making StorkJet your one-stop partner for fuel optimization.

A year ago, Volaris began its journey with StorkJet’s FlyGuide application to enhance fuel efficiency through pilot engagement. By leveraging tools that analyze historical flight data and provide actionable insights, FlyGuide has become an integral part of their operations. This article reflects on the remarkable progress achieved over the past year, focusing on key initiatives that have delivered measurable improvements in both operational costs and environmental sustainability.

Reflecting on the Journey: A Year of Progress

After a full year of implementation, the results speak for themselves. The graphic below presents significant improvements, showcasing an impressive 33.7 kg of fuel savings per flight and a total of 3823 tons saved annually when sustained.

Figure 1: Summary of initiatives and savings.

These results were achieved through focused efforts on specific initiatives, with FPC (Flight Path Compliance), Climb, Cruise, Descent Speed and Departure Reduced Flaps emerging as standout use cases.

Use Case 1: FPC Descent Speed – Informed Decisions for Optimal Results

One of the most impactful features of FlyGuide is the Historical Flight tab, where pilots can review their performance post-flight. By analyzing their descent profile and comparing it to the optimum, pilots can clearly see:

• What Mach/IAS they flew at and what was the vertical deviation to the optimal profile
• What was the company policy ECON speed at any given moment of the flight,
• How much fuel/CO2/DOC they saved, and
• How much more they could have saved by optimum, IDLE descent profile

This actionable feedback empowers pilots to adjust their behavior on future flights, creating a cycle of continuous improvement. The ability to visualize both actual and optimal performance has been a key driver of success. For example, in the graph shown, we observe that delayed descent led to speed increase followed by the use of speed brakes and an excessive reduction in speed.

Figure 2: Example of sub-optimum descent

By reviewing these detailed post-flight metrics, pilots can master their descent management techniques. This allows for targeted improvements in future flights, ensuring smoother and more fuel-efficient operations.

The implementation of FlyGuide has yielded significant improvements across the fleet.

Figure 3: Success Rate and DOC improvement for Descent Flight Speed.

For instance:

• Success Rate: Improved from approximately 70% to over 80%
• Direct Operating Cost (DOC): Reduced from 13 kg to just 7 kg per flight

These results are clearly visible in the statistical analysis, showcasing how FlyGuide empowers pilots to make data-driven conclusions that impact fuel efficiency and cost savings.

By combining post-flight insights with actionable recommendations, FlyGuide continues to drive measurable progress in descent management, contributing to both environmental sustainability and operational excellence.

Use Case 2: Departure Reduced Flaps – Small Adjustments, Big Impact

Another initiative that drives fuel efficiency gains is Departure Reduced Flaps. The optimum flap configuration of the take-off performance calculation tool is the one which gives the highest FLEX setting (highest thrust reduction). Often the differences in FLEX between flap settings are marginal. FlyGuide’s Departure tab provides pilots with recommendations for optimal takeoff configurations resulting in the lowest fuel consumption. By processing historical data and aligning with airline targets, the application identifies the most fuel-efficient flap settings for specific runways and intersections.

By accessing the Departure tab within the FlyGuide app for their specific flight, pilots can check recommended flap settings and understand how these configurations impact fuel burn. Cases where selection of lower flap setting results in decrease of FLEX can be disabled in targets or pilots can decide to take higher flap setting if take-off performance calculations show difference in FLEX.

This feature allows pilots to make informed decisions about flap settings, balancing operational safety, maintenance costs and fuel efficiency. For instance, a transition from a high-flap configuration to a low-flap configuration resulted in a reduction of take-off fuel from 216 kg to 202 kg for the same departure runway. This improvement of 14 kg highlights the tangible benefits of implementing the recommended configurations.

Figure 4: Example of fuel consumption improvement for runway 23L.

The progress achieved is further supported by data from the FuelPro tool, a comprehensive analytics platform designed to track and visualize fuel efficiency performance across various initiatives. Over the past year, the success rate for applying the optimal flap configuration has increased from approximately 60% to nearly 80%. This improvement has directly contributed to a decrease in remaining savings from 6.5 kg to 3.7 kg per flight with no change in average engine thrust reduction.

Figure 5: Success Rate and DOC improvement for Departure Reduced Flaps.

This case demonstrates how structured data, actionable insights, and consistent pilot engagement can drive measurable fuel savings and operational improvements.

Conclusion

One year after implementing FlyGuide EFB, the results are clear: pilots are more engaged, fuel efficiency has improved, and the airline is reaping the rewards of data-driven decision-making. By concentrating on broader initiatives like Flight Path Compliance and the Reduction of Flaps during both Departure and Arrival, the airline has achieved measurable progress. These efforts have translated into significant environmental and economic benefits, with the airline managing to save nearly 4,000 tons of fuel annually!

Marco Charles, Director of OCC at Volaris, noted:

“FlyGuide gives our pilots the right insights at the right time, based on Data (facts) and with a fair way of disregarding constraints and limitations effects which are out of Pilots’ control, creating healthy feedback for them and engagement from them. Such feedback and engagement help to prepare safely and efficiently each flight and track their performance over time. The result is clear: measurable fuel savings, flight after flight.”

Looking ahead, FlyGuide aims to continue empowering airlines in their efforts to enhance efficiency and sustainability. With the right tools and a collaborative approach, there is still significant potential for further improvements and savings. The progress achieved so far is just the beginning of a broader journey toward operational excellence.