How to prepare for a fuel efficiency solution implementation?

Updated on Nov, 2024

Starting a fuel efficiency program is a transformative opportunity for any airline. It’s not just about finding the right tools—it’s about laying the groundwork for long-term success and sustainability. From assembling a skilled and motivated fuel efficiency team to defining processes that encourage collaboration across departments, every step offers a chance to build stronger, more efficient operations.

You might have already started evaluating fuel efficiency solutions, but now you’re realizing the next set of questions: How will the implementation impact your current operations? Will the data you need be accessible?  These are key concerns for fuel efficiency teams who are not only responsible for finding the right solution but also ensuring its success in delivering measurable results.

Let us share some insights we’ve gathered from our experience implementing fuel efficiency solutions for 70+ airlines around the world.

Why using a fuel efficiency solution?

Fuel efficiency is a powerful lever that allows airlines to control costs, reduce consumption, and simultaneously contribute to the critical goal of aviation decarbonization. With global pressure mounting to reduce emissions and meet sustainability targets, improving fuel efficiency is no longer just a cost-saving measure. It’s a vital step on the road to a more sustainable future for aviation.

As the saying goes, "You cannot improve what you cannot measure." Recognizing this, many airlines are adopting fuel efficiency solutions to:

• Better monitor and measure their fuel results and know where they can improve to save more fuel.
• Better involve teams and spread the fuel efficiency culture since fuel optimization is a team effort.
• Better engage pilots because they are the main actors when it comes to fuel efficiency.

• Better address sustainability and demonstrate leadership, as growing awareness of climate change drives expectations for real action from the aviation industry.

Which data feeds and integrations will be needed? 

For smooth implementation, it is key to anticipate which data feeds and integrations will be needed. You will save precious time by preparing this in advance! Generally speaking, you will have to provide at least:

• An OFP Interface: flight plans given to pilots before the departure;
• An AOC (OCC Files) Interface: other data provided by the airline operations center (schedule, ground activity);
• An FDR Interface: typically WQAR or QAR data.
• Optional: Load sheet interface, ACARS interface, Fuel price interface, Maintenanec events...

💡 Pro tip: Ensure that the solution you chose has strong security features as flight data can be sensitive. 

Anticipate your data availability

Most of the time, there is one single reason that makes implementation delay: data availability.
To anticipate your data availability, we suggest you consider these 3 essential points:

• Sign a legal agreement with pilots and unions regarding which elements of the data are shared, and which ones are confidential. This might be a challenging topic, but detailing how and why this data will be used can be very helpful.
• Check if you will be able to collect all the needed data. If that's not the case, make sure that your fuel efficiency solution provider can help you with the process.
• Guarantee that in the future you can automate this data collection daily.

💡 Pro tip: If you are changing your fuel efficiency software to a new one, you can use this opportunity to improve data availability or data collection if you need it.

What is the typical implementation process for a fuel efficiency software?

This depends on your fuel efficiency solution provider. Usually, it takes between 3 to 6 months to integrate SkyBreathe®. Here are the different steps of our process: 

Figure 1: Example of the implementation process

We consider it key to guide airlines through every step of the way with our expert Customer Experience team. That way we can ensure a smooth implementation process with minimal disruption to the airline's operations. 

Related content >>>  Korean Air's experience implementing SkyBreathe®

Who should you involve in the implementation process?

To ensure a smooth implementation, we highly recommend choosing an implementation project manager to be the central point of contact within the airline throughout the project.

Engaging your fuel team and chief pilots is crucial during key milestones such as the kick-off meeting, entry into service, and training sessions. Their involvement is essential for the success of your fuel efficiency program, as they play a pivotal role in its execution.  Learn how to build a strong fuel efficiency team here. 

Additionally, data experts should be prepared to provide data samples and configure automatic data transfers, while your IT authentication specialist will need to establish connections between the fuel-management system and your user directory.

If you want to go further, here is some feedback from airlines that have experienced the implementation process for SkyBreathe®.  This might help you prepare even better for your upcoming implementation!  

“Indigo’s integration with SkyBreathe® was successful, despite the complexity of bringing multiple data sources together. OpenAirlines’ team effectively integrated ACARS, flight planning, FDR, load interim, and AOC data, and their expertise made it easier to validate and ensure data accuracy.”

- Ravi Bajaj, Dir. Performance Engineering at IndiGo Airlines
> Watch the full interview 

 “Pilot engagement is essential. Clearly communicate which elements of the data are shared, and what is confidential. Understanding any pushback can help reduce barriers.”

- Martin Kordos, Senior Financial Analyst FP&A at Porter Airlines
> Read the full interview

“The implementation of our fuel efficiency solution has been easy: all we needed to do was to fill the web-based solution with data and set default values for the best practices to adapt them to our goals and recommendations.”

- Marek Andrejs, Performance Engineer at SmartWings
> Read the full interview

Our fuel experts are here to help if you want to learn more about this topic, simply ask!

Wondering how much fuel savings can your airline achieve? 

Estimate your potential ROI using this simple savings calculator and demonstrate how adopting a fuel efficiency tool translates into measurable business value.