Aviation

How Emirates pilots reduce fuel and emissions during operations

Flying smarter and minimizing fuel consumption and emissions starts in the cockpit. Emirates embarked on implementing “Green Operating Procedures” (‘Green Ops’) in 2016, adopting a multi-pronged approach to reduce on-ground and in-flight fuel use.

This initiative also provides pilots with necessary education, awareness, data analytics, and technology to manage flights efficiently.

Led by an internal cross-functional Operations Efficiency Steering Group, Emirates aims to mitigate unnecessary fuel burn and emissions while maintaining high safety standards.

In the financial year 2023-2024, ‘Green Ops’ and other initiatives helped reduce fuel burn by over 48,000 tonnes and carbon emissions by more than 151,000 tonnes. Key operational measures include:

Discretionary Extra Fuel

Pilots assess operational circumstances to uplift extra fuel beyond the minimum regulatory standards only when necessary, resulting in a significant reduction of discretionary extra fuel uplift.

Flight Speed Optimization

Pilots optimize flight speed to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining schedule integrity, as part of Emirates’ standard operating procedures.

Reduced Flap Landing

Pilots select flap settings that minimize aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel consumption without compromising safety.

Idle Reverse Thrust

Upon landing, pilots use idle reverse thrust to decelerate the aircraft, depending on runway conditions, to reduce fuel consumption.

Reduced Engine Taxi-In (RETI)

After landing, pilots shut down one or two engines during ground taxiing, increasing the use of RETI sevenfold since its introduction.

Optimized Flight Routings

Emirates uses flexible flight routes, optimizing each route for fuel efficiency and time savings since 2003.

Technology and Innovation – FlightPulse

Emirates introduced FlightPulse, a self-service data analytics tool developed with GE Digital Aviation Services, enhancing monitoring and collaboration for improved safety and fuel efficiency.

Center of Gravity Optimization

Aircraft are loaded to optimize the center of gravity, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and saving fuel.

APU Usage

On the ground, Emirates reduces APU usage in favor of electrical ground power units (GPU), reducing emissions by over 30%.

Adjusted Potable Water Uplift

Flights upload the required amount of potable water calculated scientifically, reducing weight and ensuring fuel efficiency without compromising passenger comfort.

Through these comprehensive measures, Emirates pilots play a crucial role in reducing fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to more sustainable airline operations.

Aerospace

Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Ready-to-Build Aircraft in India Amidst C-390 Competition

In the competition for medium-range military transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, there are currently three main contenders. Airbus offers the A400, Embraer presents the C390, and Lockheed Martin proposes the C130J, which is already in service with the Indian Air Force.

These contenders are actively promoting their aircraft to India, as the Indian Air Force plans to acquire between 40 to 80 aircraft, subject to various operational requirements.

Embraer has partnered with Mahindra to assemble its aircraft in India, aligning with the Make in India initiative. This initiative aims to manufacture products locally and enhance domestic production capabilities.

Lockheed Martin, leveraging its joint venture with Tata (TLMAL), aims to capitalize on the significant opportunity to sell military transport planes to India. TLMAL currently manufactures tail assemblies for C-130s in the US.

As per the sources Airbus is pitching its A400M aircraft to the Indian Air Force. The company has a joint venture with Tata to produce C295 transports in India. Meanwhile, Embraer, which manufactures the C-390, has already sold eight planes to India for executive and early warning aircraft use and has partnered with Mahindra to compete for this order.

Lockheed Martin advocates for India to continue procuring C-130Js, highlighting their availability of spare parts, reliability, and low operating costs. Additionally, the commonality in training, maintenance, spares, and logistics support is emphasized as advantageous features of the aircraft.

Aviation

Boeing’s New Engineering Hub in Daytona Beach: 200 High-Paying Jobs on Offer

Boeing is set to establish a new engineering facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Cici & Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Plans to hire 200 engineers initially

The facility will initially focus on engineering work for military aircraft programs and advanced technology capabilities. Boeing plans to hire approximately 200 high-paying engineering professionals this year, with expectations to nearly double that number in the coming years.

The work will span Boeing’s defense and government services portfolios, emphasizing engineering design, research, development, and prototyping.

Mori Hosseini, chairman of Embry-Riddle’s Board of Trustees, described the development as a significant milestone for Daytona Beach, Florida, and the broader aviation community. The facility’s construction, including a 65,000-square-foot space with a 40,000-square-foot hangar, commenced in 2022 and is on track for completion in fall.

Boeing anticipates operations to commence by late fall, contributing to the local economy and fostering collaboration with students in aerospace, cybersecurity, commercial space, and other STEM fields at Embry-Riddle’s Research Park.

Boeing investing $100,000 in Volusia County

Boeing is also demonstrating its commitment to the community with a $100,000 investment in Volusia County nonprofit organizations. This funding supports initiatives like the Second Harvest Food Bank of Volusia County Schools Partnership Program, aimed at ensuring students have access to nutritious food.

Additional support will benefit local veterans and environmental programs, underscoring Boeing’s broader impact beyond its operational footprint.