Delta plans to test a new fuel-efficient flying technique pioneered by Airbus called “fello’fly” – which takes inspiration from the “V” shaped flight pattern of migrating geese.
The carrier, which turns 100 years old on March 2, announced the plan for future flight operations among other planned innovations for its centennial celebration in a news release on Tuesday.
According to information on Airbus’ website, fello’fly safely positions and pairs aircraft, allowing a follower aircraft to benefit from so-called free lift and use less engine thrust, resulting in less fuel consumption.
“This technique is known as wake energy retrieval – or surfing the air upwash of a lead bird,” Airbus stated on its website. “… The uplift from the wake has shown it can drive at least a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions per trip.”
Delta stated in its news release that it plans to pair flights to test fello’fly in the second half of 2025.
Partnership With Airbus UpNext
The carrier’s new partnership with aerospace research company Airbus UpNext is planned to “revolutionize the future of flying” with new technology.
The partnership will see Delta and Airbus collaborate on researching technology solutions to explore wing performance, fuel efficiency, superconductivity, advanced aircraft assistance and more. The two companies are also working to achieve sustainable flight by exploring hydrogen-powered aircraft through the Airbus ZEROe project and other sustainable air fuel initiatives.
“It’s estimated that 80 percent or more of the world’s population has never experienced air travel,” said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, in the release. “That’s why, as we continue to expand as an international airline, increasing the world’s access to travel isn’t just an opportunity – it’s our responsibility. We live in a divided world, which is why what we do at Delta is so important. Our job isn’t to transport people. It’s to bring them together.”
