EasyJet is set to reduce the level of emissions from its aircraft after fitting new technology across its fleet to make descents more efficient.
The UK-based airline has fitted Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) and Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) software to its Airbus aircraft, which helps pilots to make “consistently more efficient descents” as they are landing.
EasyJet said the impact of installing this fuel-saving software would create a “permanent fuel saving” of 1 per cent or 88,600 metric tonnes of CO2 per year.
The retrofitting of this technology is one of several initiatives launched by easyJet as it seeks to make progress in achieving its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Captain David Morgan, easyJet’s chief operating officer, said: “While this is one initiative of many outlined in our roadmap to net-zero, it provides a permanent CO2 saving and forms another step on the way to us realising our net-zero target.
“While technologies like DPO and CDA are the best solution for more optimised descent trajectories in the here and now – more needs to be done by governments and policymakers to ensure that our airspace is modernised, including implementing Single European Sky, so that this state-of-the-art technology can be used to its full potential.”
Earlier this month, the airline signed an agreement with Airbus to take part in the aircraft manufacturer’s carbon capture and storage project and last year it participated in a test of a hydrogen-powered aircraft engine with Rolls Royce.