Effective Fuel Management steps initiated by Air India

Air India is taking major initiatives to increase its operational efficiency through effective fuel management. Best practices are being adopted to overcome the alarming situation arising out of the unprecedented increase in the price of ATF in recent months.

Air India had recently invited the IATA Green Team to undertake a Fuel Efficiency Gap Analysis (FEGA) of the airline’s operations relative to fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. In its assessment, the IATA Green Team has predicted a potential saving of USD 198 million per year for the airline, if certain changes were introduced.

Mr. Raghu Menon, Chairman and Managing Director, Air India, has based on the recommendations of the IATA Green Team, constituted a Steering Committee to look into all matters of operational efficiency, fuel management and cost reduction. Sub-committees have also been formed to ensure implementation of all projects determined by the Steering Committee and help in introduction of new processes and procedures.

Some of the major initiatives outlined are :

Selecting a modern computerized Flight Planning System based on cost optimization, with features of dynamic cost index, delay cost management, etc. and which would fully support present and future commercial needs.

Reviewing the Auxilliary Power Unit (APU) utilization across the company, with the objective of reducing APU usage. Flight crews and ground personnel would be sensitized regarding the cost of APU and the use of air conditioning packs to minimize fuel consumption.

Establishing a state-of-the-art Integrated Operational Control Room (IOCC) with key personnel from Operations, Despatch, IT, Load Control, Meteorology, Crew Scheduling, Maintenance, Ground Handling, Slot Control, Sales and others.

Centralizing Flight Despatch facilities into one common location for all airlines.

Improvising “flight following” and monitoring of all aircraft from the ground which should be carried out effectively by Flight Despatch. Flight following would include ASD (Aircraft Situational Display) and ACARS (Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System).

Activating the ACARS systems and all system capabilities on existing aircraft to improve communications throughout flight data collection and proactive management of flights. Ensuring SATCOM capability on all aircraft types, especially those operating over oceanic airspace.

Formulating a common fuel policy across the company.

Improvising pilot flying procedures and techniques resulting in the carriage of less additional fuel and reduced APU usage, evolving procedures for taxi with an engine off for departure and arrival, reviewing take-off and landing flap settings, low noise low drag approaches, use of idle reverse thrust, etc. all of which contribute to fuel savings.

In addition to the above, the committee will also focus on other initiatives in areas like Maintenance and Engineering, Commercial, IT and Training.