---
title: Fly shorter with direct to improve fuel efficiency| OpenAirlines
description: To reduce fuel consumption, pilots can fly shorter, ask for direct routes. It improves fuel efficiency. A shortcut reduces the energy consumed
image: https://blog.openairlines.com/hubfs/Fly%20shorter%20with%20directs.jpg
---
[](https://www.openairlines.com/)
- [Home](https://www.openairlines.com/)
- 360° eco-flying platform
- [SkyBreathe® Analytics – Fuel management software](https://www.openairlines.com/fuel-management-software/)
- [+ Emissions Report module](https://www.openairlines.com/fuel-management-software/report-co2-emissions/)
- [+ Advanced Trajectory module](https://www.openairlines.com/fuel-management-software/advanced-trajectory-module/)
- [SkyBreathe® MyFuelCoach – Pilot engagement app](https://www.openairlines.com/pilot-engagement-app/)
- [SkyBreathe® OnBoard – Real-time eco-flying app](https://www.openairlines.com/real-time-eco-flying-app/)
- [SkyBreathe® APM – Aircraft Performance Monitoring](https://www.openairlines.com/aircraft-performance-monitoring/)
- [SkyBreathe® OTP – On-time performance analysis](https://www.openairlines.com/on-time-performance-analysis/)
- Use Cases
- [SkyBreathe For CEO/CFO](https://www.openairlines.com/for-ceo-cfo/)
- [SkyBreathe For Head of Flights Ops & Chief Pilot](https://www.openairlines.com/for-head-of-flights-ops-chief-pilot/)
- [SkyBreathe For Pilots](https://www.openairlines.com/for-pilots/)
- [SkyBreathe For Fuel Managers & Ops Engineers](https://www.openairlines.com/for-fuel-managers-ops-engineers/)
- [Customers Stories](https://www.openairlines.com/customers/)
- Resources
- [Blog](https://blog.openairlines.com/)
- [White Papers](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/white-paper)
- [Case Studies](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/case-studies)
- [Webinars on fuel efficiency](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/upcoming-webinars)
- [Upcoming Tradeshows](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/tradeshow)
- [OpenAirlines Academy](https://academy.openairlines.com/?utm_campaign=23545222-Academy&utm_source=FuelEfficiencyBlog)
- Company
- [OpenAirlines Mission](https://www.openairlines.com/our-company/)
- [News](https://blog.openairlines.com/news)
- [Career - We are Hiring!](https://www.welcometothejungle.com/fr/companies/openairlines)
- [Sustainability Report](https://www.openairlines.com/sustainability-report/)
- [OpenDay](https://info.openairlines.com/openday2026)
- [Contact](https://www.openairlines.com/contact/)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4233951/5390e83d-eea4-4183-83a3-0f26b0324d37)
##### Blog
- [Latest articles](https://blog.openairlines.com)
- [Fuel Efficiency](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/fuel-efficiency)
- [Airline Experience](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/airline-experience)
- [Sustainability](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/environment)
- [Technology](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/technology)
- [News](https://blog.openairlines.com/news)
[Back to Blog](https://blog.openairlines.com)
# Fly shorter with directs: an effective way to improve fuel efficiency
Published by [Cécile](https://blog.openairlines.com/author/cecile) on Apr 28, 2021, 2:36:23 PM
Updated on Feb 29, 2024 4:26:32 PM
A simple but efficient way to reduce fuel consumption is to fly shorter. Like in any mode of transportation, using a shortcut reduces the energy consumed and the time to go from point A to point B. In the sky, flights usually follow a predefined path, which is called a flight plan. It is a list of points that define the trajectory of the plane. Contrary to cars on roads, aircraft can deviate from this planned route. Pilots can ask for direct routes, and therefore improve their fuel efficiency.
| Summary - [What is a direct?](https://blog.openairlines.com/fly-shorter-with-directs-an-effective-way-to-improve-fuel-efficiency#what-is-a-direct) - [The benefits of directs](https://blog.openairlines.com/fly-shorter-with-directs-an-effective-way-to-improve-fuel-efficiency#benefits-of-directs) - [How to improve pilots' usage of directs](https://blog.openairlines.com/fly-shorter-with-directs-an-effective-way-to-improve-fuel-efficiency#improving-usage-of-directs) |
| --- |
## What is a direct?
A direct is a shortcut between two waypoints of the flight plan. For example, on the image below, the standard routing would be to follow the flight plan’s different waypoints, but a direct can be flown from waypoint RAVIA to waypoint TAHAR. By taking this direct route, the aircraft saves time and fuel.
A shortcut can be asked by a pilot but needs to be approved by ATC controllers. That is why a direct is usually only possible in a single airspace, where ATC controllers have full visibility and control.
## What are the benefits?
Direct fuel savings can vary from around 80 kg (176 lbs) per direct on a single-aisle, and up to 120 kg (265 lbs) per direct on a widebody. For one single-aisle aircraft, it can represent an overall benefit of 120 000 kg of fuel (264 555 lbs), which equals to around 380 000 kg of C02 (837 757 lbs) or 80 000 $ in a single year, provided that on each flight a direct is taken.
Therefore, there is a huge potential if directs are widely used and flown in the airline.
---
Get your infographic showcasing all the fuel efficiency best practices per phase of flight!
**[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4233951/6b97a0d6-3ff8-4187-99cd-0daf031c2761)**
---
## Improving the usage of directs
Using directs to improve fuel efficiency seems simple, but in practice, directs are not used as much as they could be. Often, pilots are unaware of the possibility of asking for a direct and miss the opportunity to take a shortcut. Their knowledge is mainly based on experience on a particular route and is not shared much.
### Learning from the history
Knowledge of where directs can be performed is key in improving the usage and impact of directs. All the historical flights that pilots have already flown can be used to build up a database of possible directs. This database offers a reliable source of where and when directs can be asked by the pilots, as we can know which direct is likely to be granted and how often it is flown. It makes it possible for a pilot that has never flown on a particular leg to know where and when he/she can ask ATC for a direct, and the chance of really flying it.
But how can we pass this information to the pilot?
### Preparing the flight
One way to give access to the directs database is to add contextual information during the pre-flight briefing. While preparing the flight, the pilot is provided the possible direct routes on his next flight. He/she can prepare his flight knowing the probability of getting those directs.
### Getting the right information at the right time
Getting the information of possible directs on the next flight is one thing, but pilots have a heavy workload, and sometimes the info given during the briefing is put aside while an urgent situation arises. Another way of improving the usage of directs is to push the info to the pilot at the right time, meaning when he needs to decide to ask the direct to the ATC.
[Related content \>\>\> How to build the Business Case for AID and In-flight Connectivity](https://blog.openairlines.com/how-to-build-the-business-case-for-aid-and-in-flight-connectivity)
Historical data enables building a database of possible directs along with the probability of getting the direct. But the computation of actual savings of a direct in-flight should take into account actual conditions such as weather conditions (temperature and wind), grossweight, and actual speed of the aircraft.
To make this possible, we recommend using a tool like [SkyBreathe OnBoard](https://www.openairlines.com/real-time-eco-flying-app/) Direct Assistant that provides real-time support for fuel-saving during the flight in a seamless, natural, and simple way. The app pushes relevant and timely notifications to pilots about direct opportunities, and actual potential savings associated.
Pilots can then engage with ATC controllers to ask for a direct route, knowing the time and fuel gain of the operation.
---
##### READ MORE
Discover more fuel-saving practices for airlines in [**22 ways to save fuel during a flight \>\> Read the article!**](https://blog.openairlines.com/22-fuel-efficiency-procedures-for-flight-ops)
[](https://blog.openairlines.com/22-fuel-efficiency-procedures-for-flight-ops)
##### FOLLOW US
[](https://twitter.com/OpenAirlines)[](https://www.linkedin.com/company/openairlines/)
Tags: [Fuel efficiency](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/fuel-efficiency)
[Back to Blog](https://blog.openairlines.com)
[](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.openairlines.com/fly-shorter-with-directs-an-effective-way-to-improve-fuel-efficiency&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.openairlines.com/fly-shorter-with-directs-an-effective-way-to-improve-fuel-efficiency&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.openairlines.com/fly-shorter-with-directs-an-effective-way-to-improve-fuel-efficiency&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.openairlines.com/fly-shorter-with-directs-an-effective-way-to-improve-fuel-efficiency&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.openairlines.com/fly-shorter-with-directs-an-effective-way-to-improve-fuel-efficiency&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [](https://web.whatsapp.com)
## Related Articles
## [How to track your APU fuel consumption on ground?](https://blog.openairlines.com/how-to-track-apu-fuel-burn-on-ground)
Traditionally, most airlines poorly track APU usage on the ground, and utilization tends to be much...
[Read More](https://blog.openairlines.com/how-to-track-apu-fuel-burn-on-ground)
## [How AI is revolutionizing Fuel Efficiency in aviation](https://blog.openairlines.com/how-ai-is-revolutionizing-fuel-efficiency-in-aviation)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping numerous industries and aviation is no exception. In the...
[Read More](https://blog.openairlines.com/how-ai-is-revolutionizing-fuel-efficiency-in-aviation)
## [5 Fuel-savvy tips every pilot should know](https://blog.openairlines.com/5-fuel-savvy-tips-for-pilots)
Since summer 2017, jet fuel prices are rising. According to the International Air Transport...
[Read More](https://blog.openairlines.com/5-fuel-savvy-tips-for-pilots)
[](https://www.openairlines.com/)
EUROPE - HEADQUARTERS
31, rue Alsace Lorraine – 31000 Toulouse, France
ASIA
10 Floor, Guangdong Investement Tower
148 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
AMERICAS
c/o Jade Fiducial 990 Biscayne Blvd Office
701 Miami, FL33132 USA
- SkyBreathe® Platform
- [SkyBreathe® Analytics – Fuel management software](https://www.openairlines.com/fuel-management-software/)
- [SkyBreathe® MyFuelCoach – Pilot engagement app](https://www.openairlines.com/pilot-engagement-app/)
- [SkyBreathe® OnBoard – Real-time eco-flying app](https://www.openairlines.com/real-time-eco-flying-app/)
- [SkyBreathe® APM – Aircraft Performance Monitoring](https://www.openairlines.com/aircraft-performance-monitoring/)
- [SkyBreathe® OTP – On-time performance analysis](https://www.openairlines.com/on-time-performance-analysis/)
- Use Cases
- [SkyBreathe® For CEO/CFO](https://www.openairlines.com/for-ceo-cfo/)
- [SkyBreathe® For Head of Flights Ops & Chief Pilot](https://www.openairlines.com/for-head-of-flights-ops-chief-pilot/)
- [For Fuel Managers & Operations Engineers](https://www.openairlines.com/for-fuel-managers-ops-engineers/)
- [SkyBreathe® For Pilots](https://www.openairlines.com/for-pilots/)
- [Customers Stories](https://www.openairlines.com/customers/)
- [Our Company](https://www.openairlines.com/our-company/)
- [Sustainability Report](https://www.openairlines.com/sustainability-report/)
- [Career](https://www.welcometothejungle.com/fr/companies/openairlines)
- [Contact](https://www.openairlines.com/contact/)
- Resources
- [Blog](https://blog.openairlines.com/)
- [White papers](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/white-paper)
- [Case Studies](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/case-studies)
- EVENTS
- [OpenDay](https://info.openairlines.com/openday)
- [Upcoming Webinars](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/upcoming-webinars)
- [Upcoming Trade Shows](https://blog.openairlines.com/tag/tradeshow)
### © Openairlines 2023 - All Rights Reserved
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.openairlines.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Cookies Policy](https://www.openairlines.com/cookies-policy/)
- [Site Map](https://www.openairlines.com/site-map/)
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Cécile",
"url" : "https://blog.openairlines.com/author/cecile"
},
"dateModified" : "2024-04-15T12:53:50.015Z",
"datePublished" : "2021-04-28T12:36:23.000Z",
"headline" : "Fly shorter with direct to improve fuel efficiency",
"image" : [ "https://blog.openairlines.com/hubfs/Fly%20shorter%20with%20directs.jpg" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://blog.openairlines.com/fly-shorter-with-directs-an-effective-way-to-improve-fuel-efficiency",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://blog.openairlines.com/hubfs/Blog-illustration/Logo.png"
},
"name" : "Nextops OpenAirlines"
}
}
```