Optimizing fuel efficiency in today’s aviation landscape is crucial for cost savings and sustainability. In this short case study, Viva Aerobus' Head of Fuel Efficiency, Nancy Madrigal, explores how the airline leveraged advanced analytics to reduce Zero Fuel Weight discrepancies and improve its fuel efficiency.
What is Zero Fuel Weight and how it can impact aircraft fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is influenced by aircraft performance during flights and the accuracy of pre-flight data, such as Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW). This is a critical input in flight planning, and any discrepancy between the planned and actual ZFW—known as ZFW error—can significantly impact fuel consumption, flight safety, and even operational costs.- An overestimated ZFW leads to excess fuel being loaded, increasing aircraft weight and, thus, fuel burn.
- The other way around, an underestimated ZFW risks inadequate fuel loading, forcing pilots to compensate with additional fuel, which also harms efficiency.
Related Content >>> All you need to know about Zero Fuel Weight Error and how to reduce it
Airline Case Study: Reducing a 2.1 tons error in Zero Fuel Weight
During OpenDay 2024, we had the chance to speak with Nancy Madrigal, Head of Fuel Efficiency at Viva Aerobus. She shared some details about the airline "step by step" strategy implemented to reduce their Zero Fuel Weight in order to save more fuel.
Let's dive into this use case:
About Viva Aerobus
Viva Aerobus is Mexico’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, established in 2006 with the mission to make air travel accessible to everyone through low fares and reliable service.
With over 70 modern Airbus A320 aircraft, Viva Aerobus offers one of the region's youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets. This focus on modern, efficient aircraft not only helps keep operational costs low but also supports the airline’s commitment to sustainability.
Indeed, Viva Aerobus is deeply committed to reducing its environmental impact. As part of its mission to provide affordable air travel, the airline also prioritizes eco-friendly practices. Viva Aerobus has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and minimizing its carbon footprint. These include optimizing flight paths, reducing fuel burn through precise weight management, and embracing digital solutions like SkyBreathe® Analytics to monitor and enhance fuel efficiency.
How VivaAerobus' team improved ZFW - explained
One of the first queries Viva Aerobus’ team created using SkyBreathe® Analytics Query Editor was designed to compare the planned and the actual Zero Fuel Weight across their operations.
Upon analyzing the detailed data generated by this query, the airline uncovered a significant delta of approximately 2,100 kg (2.1 tons) between the planned and actual ZFW on their flights. This large difference had been driving inefficiencies, increasing fuel consumption, and inflating operational costs for the airline, so it had to be corrected.
The first step in solving this issue was to identify the root causes of the ZFW discrepancy and implement targeted strategies to reduce the delta.
Step 1: Customizing passenger weight by route
One of the primary contributors to the ZFW error was an overestimation of passenger weight. Viva Aerobus analyzed historical data from checked baggage and implemented a new process where specific passenger weights were assigned based on the route taken.
"We began to implement different strategies to try to reduce this delta. We started by having a specific passenger weight per route, based on the data we had about checked baggage's weight. We inserted that in our flight planning system as a first step." Nancy Madrigal explained.
Step 2: Refining weight segmentation between adults & children
In their assessment, Viva Aerobus realized that their flight planning system did not differentiate weight between adults and children when calculating total passenger weight. This oversight was causing further discrepancies in Zero Fuel Weight calculations. By introducing a segmentation system that assigned separate weights to adults and children, Viva Aerobus hoped to further reduce the ZFW delta.
However, after analyzing the updated data, they found that this helpful segmentation was not enough to eliminate the error.
"After this implementation we analyzed the numbers in the query but we didn’t see a very high improvement in the numbers. This helped us to detect that something else was wrong with our segmentation in the flight planning system." shared Nancy Madrigal
Step 3: Implementing a no-show factor
Recognizing that no-show passengers could also contribute to ZFW errors, the airline introduced a no-show factor into its flight planning system.
This adjustment helped correct passengers who failed to board, ensuring that fuel was not being loaded unnecessarily for absent passengers.
"After fixing the segmentation between adults and children and the implementation of the no-show factor, we started seeing real improvement in the delta of Zero Fuel Weight, reaching up to 500 kg, 550 kg of delta as average in the last month," detailed Viva Aerobus' Head of Fuel Efficiency.
The results
Using advanced data analysis insights and swift implementation of corrective measures, Viva Aerobus successfully reduced around 74% of their ZFW delta from over 2,100 kg to an average of 500-550 kg (0.5 tons) per flight.
"Without our SkyBreathe® Query Editor, we wouldn’t have been able to monitor if the actions we were implementing were correct and actually working," emphasized the representative from Viva Aerobus.
This improvement directly impacted the airline’s fuel consumption, reducing unnecessary fuel burn and delivering substantial cost savings.
Regarding fuel savings, not carrying those extra 1500kg represents around 1.8kg of fuel saved per flight for the airline. Considering the whole fleet and network at VIVA, the estimated fuel savings are around 125 tons per year or around 400 tons of C02.
To sum up
By leveraging advanced data through a digital fuel efficiency solution, Viva Aerobus took a proactive approach to reducing ZFWE, saving fuel, cutting costs, and reducing its environmental footprint.
Check out Nancy Madrigal's full interview!
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[CASE STUDY] Discover VivaAerobus' impressive path to mastering fuel efficiency.
