easyJet has installed Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) and Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) software across its entire fleet as part of its 2050 net zero roadmap.
The technology will reduce carbon emissions and fuel costs, saving 88,600 tonnes of CO2 each year. The fleetwide retrofit programme now means that the airline is the largest operator in the world with DPO and CDA capability.
What is the tech?
DPO is a fuel-saving initiative which updates the flight management system (FMS) to enable consistently more efficient descents by allowing the aircraft to remain in the cruise phase longer and removing the ‘level-off’ stage at the bottom of the descent, which reduces carbon emissions. CDA works in tandem with DPO to reduce noise. DPO is an Airbus product.
Captain David Morgan, chief operating officer at easyJet, commented, “While this is one initiative of many outlined in our roadmap to net-zero, it provides a permanent CO2 saving and forms another step on the way to us realising our net-zero target.
“While technologies like DPO and CDA are the best solution for more optimised descent trajectories in the here and now – more needs to be done by governments and policymakers to ensure that our airspace is modernised, including implementing Single European Sky, so that this state-of-the-art technology can be used to its full potential.”
Nicholas Chretien, senior vice president of sustainability & environment at Airbus added, “Airbus is happy to accompany easyJet in its decarbonisation journey. Thanks to Airbus technologies, easyJet seamlessly upgraded their fleet with Descent Profile Optimisation; illustrating our ambition to work with our airline partners. These innovative solutions developed at Airbus enable airlines to increase fuel savings and reduce emissions during operations.”
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