 | |
Volotea began installing the DPO system in its fleet in 2019, which uses advanced algorithms to refine aircraft descent profiles and optimize speed margins and flight trajectories. This method enables aircraft to consume less fuel during descent and sustain longer cruising levels, effectively reducing operating costs and minimizing environmental impact by lowering direct CO2 emissions. | |
DPO, an option of the Flight Management and Guidance Computer (FMGC), allows commanders to decrease fuel consumption by optimizing idle and approach speed margins. This technology has enabled the airline to save up to 958 tons of CO2 since implementation began in 2019 and is projected to save more than 2,000 additional tons until 2030. According to Eduard Diviu, Chief Operating Officer at Volotea: “Since our inception in 2012, we have initiated over 50 projects that have significantly reduced our fuel consumption and, consequently, our direct carbon emissions. Among these, optimizing all flight phases has notably enhanced the performance and efficiency of our aircraft. The collaboration with Airbus is key to advancing the aviation sector’s common ambition of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.” Delphine Gianoglio, Head of Airbus Commercial Services Europe, adds: “We actively support our customers to achieve their decarbonization goals. In that endeavor, Volotea and Airbus will work together to ensure that every future aircraft joining the Volotea fleet is equipped with DPO."
Volotea initiated the integration of the Descent Profile Optimization (DPO) system into its fleet in 2019, starting with fifteen A319 aircraft. This expansion continued in 2020 with updates to five additional A319s, and in 2023, twenty-one A320s were outfitted with the technology. By April 2024, the three newest aircraft added to the fleet also featured the integrated system. As a result, DPO is now fully operational across all Volotea aircraft. Furthermore, under a long-term agreement with Airbus, any future aircraft joining the fleet will be equipped with DPO upon service entry. Originally targeting a 50% reduction in direct CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometer by 2030, Volotea, with progress audited and confirmed by Bureau Veritas—an independent international certification agency—is now on track to achieve this goal by 2025. Volotea's dedication to sustainable aviation and its Voloterra program were honored at the 2023 Norns Awards—an international award that celebrates innovators and change agents shaping the future of their industries—where it received the accolade of leading "Low-Cost Sustainable Aviation Company.” Skywise: Predictive Maintenance Solution
In addition to fully integrating the DPO system earlier this year, Volotea began trialing Airbus' Skywise Predictive Maintenance + (S.PM+) solution. By analyzing data from aircraft sensors, S.PM+ identifies abnormal patterns and predicts potential component failures before they happen. This proactive approach helps airlines mitigate Aircraft on Ground (AOG) incidents and reduces maintenance unpredictability, leading to more efficient operations. For Volotea, this means optimizing maintenance costs, improving aircraft availability, and enhancing the overall passenger experience through more reliable scheduling. Diviu, continues: “The collaboration between Volotea and Airbus is comprehensive, and we are gradually incorporating new services that help us improve our operations. We are committed to integrating advanced solutions that keep our fleet updated, and thanks to Airbus' services, our commitment to safety— an absolute priority—and sustainability is further strengthened. Skywise allows us to identify and anticipate potential technical issues to avoid impacting our flight schedule and continue providing our passengers with the best service. We are pleased to have formalized its integration into our fleet, marking another important step in our partnership with Airbus.”
Airbus is a key supplier to Volotea, providing a wide range of aircraft services. As a '100% Services' customer, Volotea benefits from a comprehensive, cross-services approach that further strengthens the partnership between the two companies. This mutually beneficial collaboration aligns with both companies' mid-term strategies: Volotea is supported by a reliable partner for its fleet growth strategy, while Airbus delivers dedicated services to ensure its aircraft operate under the latest standards. Tags: Delphine Gianoglio, Airbus, Eduard Diviu, Volotea |
