TUI Airline has fully implemented the SITA OptiClimb® solution across all five of its airlines as part of the group’s sustainability agenda to reduce airline emissions. The wider deployment of SITA’s innovative technology follows the success of its partial deployment, saving up to 200 kg of fuel and 600 kg of CO2 per aircraft per day.
Aircraft climb is the most fuel-intensive phase of a flight. SITA OptiClimb® is an innovative predictive analytics solution that uses machine learning to build tail-specific performance models. Fed with 4D weather forecasts and operational flight plan inputs, these models predict fuel burn scenarios. The solution then provides pilots with customized climb speeds and acceleration levels specific to each tail and flight to optimize fuel without compromising flight times.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), fuel represents almost 30% of an airline’s operating costs and is the biggest contributor to aviation emissions. Airlines are adopting innovative digital applications like SITA OptiClimb® to deliver more immediate fuel and emission reductions to complement longer-term strategies like sustainable aviation fuels and fleet renewal.
SITA estimates that if every airline used SITA OptiClimb®, it would save approximately 5.6 million tons of carbon annually.
Partially deployed by several TUI airlines in 2022, SITA OptiClimb® is now fully deployed across all five airlines in the TUI Group comprising TUI Airways, TUI fly Belgium, TUI fly Germany, TUI fly Netherlands, and TUI fly Nordic. The solution delivered total savings for TUI Airline of around 4,500 tons of fuel and 14,000 tons of carbon in 2022.
“TUI has committed to 2030 emission reduction targets for its own airlines, cruises, and hotels – emissions from TUI Airline are to be reduced by 24 percent. One of the ways we aim to cut these emissions is through operational measures that improve flight planning and optimize fuel management leveraging innovative technologies like SITA OptiClimb®,” said Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Airline Officer, TUI Group.
Yann Cabaret, CEO, SITA FOR AIRCRAFT, said, “We’re delighted to continue supporting TUI Group’s sustainability agenda. Our ambition is to help the air transport industry progress faster on our shared journey to net-zero and improve the efficiency of travel through innovation and technology.”
About SITA
SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe and sustainable air travel.
With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of 17,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Our communications network connects every corner of the globe and we bridge 45% of the air transport community’s data exchange.
In 2021, SITA became a certified CarbonNeutral® company in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol – the leading global standard for carbon neutral programs. We are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions for all our operations, while also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies. In 2022, we announced our commitment to setting science-based emission reduction targets aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative Net-Zero Standard.
SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.
About TUI GROUP
TUI Group is a leading global tourism group and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed on the FTSE 250, an index of the London Stock Exchange, on the regulated market of the Hanover Stock Exchange and on the Open Market segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The TUI Group offers integrated services from a single source for its 21 million customers.
The entire tourism value chain is covered under one roof. This includes over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 16 cruise ships, from the MS Europa and the MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships at Marella Cruises in Great Britain. The Group also includes leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms across Europe, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels, cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a digital company.
Global responsibility for sustainable economic, ecological and social action is at the core of our corporate culture. The TUI Care Foundation, initiated by TUI, focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards with projects in 25 countries. It thus supports holiday destinations in their development.
For further information, go to www.tuigroup.com
Featured image credited to TUI
