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.

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.

Aviation

B737 MAX 8 Cabin System Malfunctions: Passengers Experience Nosebleeds and Ear Pain

A Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet operated by Korean Air, bound for Taichung, Taiwan, encountered a distressing incident when its cabin pressurization system malfunctioned shortly after takeoff.

Reports from passengers described a sudden onset of problems, prompting the aircraft to promptly return to Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea. As the malfunction unfolded, the aircraft was compelled to rapidly descend from its cruising altitude of over 30,000 feet to approximately 9,000 feet.

2 passengers suffered nosebleeds; 15 reported ear pain

This sudden change in altitude caused discomfort among passengers, with at least two individuals suffering from nosebleeds and 15 others experiencing ear pain and hyperventilation. Emergency protocols were swiftly activated, including the deployment of oxygen masks as the aircraft descended.

Passengers recounted harrowing moments during the incident, describing how the aircraft unexpectedly lowered altitude during meal service, leading to cries from children and widespread discomfort among travelers. Many reported sensations of ear pain, dizziness, and the disorienting effects of sudden cabin pressure changes.

Despite the chaotic situation, the cabin crew was commended for their prompt response, assisting passengers with oxygen masks and swiftly securing the cabin for landing. The pilots successfully landed the aircraft back at Incheon International Airport, ensuring the safety of all on board by 7:38 p.m. local time.

No serious injuries reported despite the alarming incident

Following the incident, Korean Air took immediate steps to mitigate disruption, arranging for a different aircraft to complete the flight to Taichung the following morning. The airline issued an apology to affected passengers and initiated an investigation into the root cause of the malfunction.

Videos shared by Taiwanese passengers captured the tense atmosphere inside the cabin during the incident, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation faced by those on board.