NEW DELHI: After doing everything humanely possible to cut fuel burn, Indian airlines have turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to help save the prohibitively expensive black gold. IndiGo has asked its pilots to save fuel during the time when the aircraft is most thirsty – climb which is done full throttle (car equivalent of the gas pedal being floored) – by opting for “OptiClimb solution” starting Thursday on trial basis on its Airbus fleet.In simple terms, instead of taking off at a constant speed, they will do so at varying speeds wherever possible. The airline aims to save 60-65 kilo per take off using this AI solution. Multiplying that with its 2,000-odd flights, the saving could be impressive even if half of them use this. Lower fuel burn means lower emissions too. Depending on the outcome of the trial period flights, the airline will decide on making it a regular feature on its Airbus fleet.“Over the past several months, we have been working closely with SITA (world’s leading flight operation solution provider) on the implementation of their OptiClimb solution (which is) an AI-powered flight optimisation solution that helps pilots reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions during the energy-intensive climb phase of a flight,” a mail sent by Captain Ashim Mittra, IndiGo’s senior VP (flight operations), to its about 6,000 pilots on Wednesday night says.“The climb phase typically accounts for the highest rate of fuel consumption during any flight…. Recent advancements in aircraft performance analytics have enabled more refined climb optimisation techniques…. By considering actual aircraft performance, planned take-off weight, cruise altitude, and prevailing atmospheric conditions, OptiClimb enables more efficient climb profiles, delivering measurable reductions in fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions while maintaining the highest standards of operational safety and regulatory compliance,” the mail adds.In contemporary times, fuel saving has become a necessity since the 2008 subprime crisis when global economy was slowing down amid energy prices shooting up. At that time, airlines made aircraft lighter by stripping away non essential onboard things like curtains, partitions, carrying less water. More fuel efficient engines were developed over time. The next gen of fuel efficient aircraft using completely different engine architecture is in the works but is at least a decade away if not more. Till they become a reality, AI could help airlines save some fuel.“The primary objective of this (OptiClimb) initiative is to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce our carbon footprint, and strengthen operational sustainability, while ensuring full adherence to Air Traffic Control (ATC) requirements and safe operating practices. As airlines worldwide continue to focus on operational excellence and environmental stewardship, the adoption of data-driven solutions such as OptiClimb demonstrates how advanced analytics can unlock incremental efficiencies beyond those achievable through conventional Flight Management System (FMS) optimisation alone,” Captain Mittra’s email adds.
