The airline industry is facing a growing challenge: how to fight climate change and move towards a more sustainable way to operate aircraft. On top of these environmental concerns, fuel represents the largest share of the airlines' operating costs.
Hopefully, there are multiple solutions to face both of these challenges.
Selecting eco-flying software is a good step to go. Innovative technologies such as Big Data and Artificial Intelligence are key enablers to help airlines fly more efficiently and become leaders in environmental excellence.
This article provides insights on the six questions you should ask yourself when selecting your eco-flying solution.
The very first step consists of listing the main objectives that your company wants to reach by implementing a Fuel Efficiency solution. From reducing the airline’s fuel costs to strengthening the company’s environmental reputation, benefits brought by an eco-flying software can be versatile, and the solutions on the market are multiple. That’s why it is important to list the main company’s goals to select the most relevant eco-flying solution that will help your airline to answer its needs and achieve its objectives.
Here are some examples of goals from airlines that have implemented a fuel efficiency tool:
There are many stakeholders involved in a Fuel Efficiency Program. From Flight Ops to Top Management, Dispatch to Pilots, or even Maintenance and Engineering, an eco-flying solution can benefit many different areas of an airline.
Dispatchers choose how much fuel will be needed for the flight, but pilots are allowed to add some discretionary fuel and are the ones using it. Finance negotiates prices on the fuel tender, and Engineering and Maintenance actions also affect fuel consumption.
That is why you should select an eco-flying solution that can answer the needs of all the stakeholders of your company:
Learn more about how to build an efficient fuel management team
The acquisition of eco-flying software often promises substantial fuel savings. Some providers will claim to save 2% of your fuel costs, others up to 5%, and sometimes you may hear even bigger figures.
Is it possible to estimate the potential savings my company could expect to reach? Even more important, what will be the return on investment (ROI) related to my new eco-flying software?
Before selecting a solution, be sure to build a strong business case to estimate both the potential fuel savings of your company and the ROI your new solution will bring. It will give you insights into what is at stake and some valuable arguments to select a solution from another.
Here is an interesting article that may help you have a first idea of the potential ROI you can expect to get.
The implementation project of a Fuel Efficiency Management System can be either long, painful, and time-consuming or, on the contrary, smooth, quick, and under control.
Before selecting an eco-flying solution, it is important to be aware of the timeline, the methodology, and the resources that you will face during the implementation of your selected eco-flying solution.
A clear and proven project management methodology, based on a staged approach delivery, is a must to ensure a smooth implementation and to avoid any delay or bad surprises. Local presence, as well as close cooperation between the airline and the provider, are essential to have a successful implementation project.
Before selecting your software, do not hesitate to ask for references and testimonials to make sure about the capabilities of your provider.
In addition to the above advice, here are three tips to consider before implementing eco-flying software:
Get more insights on how to prepare for the implementation of an eco-flying solution
True business intelligence requires going beyond coarse statistics alone. That’s why you should use accurate computations using performance models, SOPs, and external factors, such as weather conditions and ATC procedures or restrictions.
Because their job is not a routine job, pilots know that each flight is different (weight, performance, weather, traffic, etc.), so should be their savings!
A statistical approach will be too limited when it comes to differentiating every single flight and providing accurate recommendations to your pilots. Computations that consider the actual flight conditions, with accurate and advanced performance models, are a must to convince them about the feasibility of their actions.
The more accurate the analysis and measures, the more trusted your recommendations will be among your pilots’ community.
Learn more about why accuracy is essential to earning a pilot’s trust
Selecting an eco-flying software is one thing, but you must think long-term and anticipate the next steps!
Let's say you have selected your fuel efficiency solution, and the implementation is over. What’s next? How will you manage to benefit from the full power of your new eco-flying solution if you are left alone?
When selecting a Fuel Efficiency software, it is not only about the solution itself but, more importantly, about the training and support services that come along with it. Having a tailored onboarding will empower all your stakeholders and will allow them to get the best out of the software to reach your objectives.
You can have the best solution on the market; if you don’t use it properly, it will not yield as much efficiency as you could expect.
Be smart and anticipate the next moves: ask your provider for some references in terms of support, customer satisfaction (e.g. Net Promoter Score), or references and testimonials from its existing customers.
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Selecting an eco-flying solution can appear to be difficult or a source of stress. Here are the six takeaways from this article that will make it a smooth and easy task for you:
You want to learn more about how to determine your Fuel Efficiency Management System requirements: