Airlines mulling over optimising fuel efficiency

New Delhi: With fuel comprising 40% of costs, all airlines, especially the low cost carriers (LCCs) are getting more stringent with their measures to optimise fuel efficiency.
Though with a 4% relief coming their way on aviation turbine fuel (ATF), airlines are now more than happy to save some extra money.
As per International Air Transport Association (IATA), modern aircraft achieve fuel efficiencies of 3.5 litres per 100 passenger km. It simply means seat carried for a mile. For example, a Delhi to Mumbai bound flight requires 2,300 kl of fuel per block hour.
According to aviation experts this consumption depends on the aircraft type and its age. The Airbus 380 and Boeing 787 are aiming for three litres per 100 passenger km, which is better than a compact car. And globally, all airlines are aiming for a further 25% fuel efficiency improvement by 2020.
“We follow a strict regime of regular aircraft maintenance which includes complete aircraft wash, as dust and dirt in the aircraft can cause a drag and excess weight resulting in high fuel consumption,” says GoAir managing director Jeh Wadia.
Other carriers such as SpiceJet and Indigo are also adopting various operational techniques to increase fuel efficiency besides going for fuel hedging through various banks.
SpiceJet, is not only in talks with various banks for financing its fuel hedging but is also adopting various innovative techniques in day-to-day operations.
05/01/08 Dheeraj Tiwari & Vishakha Talreja/Economic Times

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Jan 2008