EasyJet Achieves Major Carbon Reduction Milestone

British low-cost carrier easyJet has completed a fleetwide retrofit with Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) and Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) software on all its aircraft. This state-of-the-art technology significantly reduces carbon emissions and fuel costs, resulting in a permanent fuel saving of up to 1% or 88,600 metric tonnes of CO2 annually.

Last year, according to a survey published by the British low-cost airline, out of 2,000 British vacationers, more than 75 % believe that airlines urgently need to define ways to achieve net zero CO2 emissions. Also, 78 % will choose an airline based on its sustainability credentials when traveling in the future, and 70 % will commit to a “zero carbon” vacation if it were available.

This achievement makes easyJet the largest operator in the world with DPO and CDA capability. The initiative is part of the airline’s roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It will reduce carbon in the short term, benefiting British airlines, airports, and surrounding communities.

Descent Profile Optimization (DPO) enhances the Flight Management System (FMS). This enhancement fosters more consistently efficient descents by extending the aircraft’s time in the cruise phase and eliminating the ‘level-off’ stage at the end of the destruction, reducing carbon emissions.

In addition to its fuel-saving benefits and the consequent reduction in carbon emissions, Descent Profile Optimization (DPO), in synergy with the Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) based on easyJet’s FY24 forecast, also plays a vital role in reducing noise, particularly important due to the increasing enforcement of stricter noise regulations.

easyJet has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has joined the UN-backed Race to Zero initiative. Their plan involves using new technology, collaborating with partners like Airbus and Rolls-Royce, and implementing measures like fleet renewal, operational efficiencies, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and carbon removal technology. They also aim for a 35% reduction in carbon emissions intensity by 2035 compared to 2019.

Captain David Morgan, COO of the British low-cost carrier, emphasized the program’s contribution to permanent CO2 reduction and its commitment to its net-zero target. He also stressed the need for governmental action to fully modernize airspace to utilize such advanced technologies.

EasyJet is the second-largest low-cost airline in Europe after Ryanair, so its commitment to decarbonize the European civil aviation sector is significant. The British carrier actively advocates for airspace modernization, including initiatives like the Single European Sky, which aims to achieve 10% carbon emissions savings in European aviation. The airline is a founding member of SESAR, a partnership to expedite the Digital European Sky’s implementation. Additionally, easyJet is involved in the IRIS program, an air traffic management initiative aimed at improving efficiency, reducing flight delays, saving fuel, and minimizing the environmental impact of air travel.

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Vincenzo Claudio Piscopo

Vincenzo graduated in 2019 in Mechanical Engineering with an aeronautical curriculum, focusing his thesis on Human Factors in aircraft maintenance. In 2022 he pursued his master's degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Palermo, Italy. He combines his journalistic activities with his work as a Reliability Engineer at Zetalab.

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