IATA fuel campaign saves $315m

The savings are the result of IATA's campaign to shorten routes, improve operational procedures and share best practices in fuel management. In total IATA saved $2.1bn and 10.5 million tonnes of CO2 across the globe last year. Since 2001 airline fuel efficiency has improved 16.5%.

Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO said

"Fuel efficiency is critical to industry profitability and environmental sustainability, our objective is to reduce flying time for passengers, limit emissions and cut fuel costs. We have made headway, but there is much more work to do."

Of the $315m, $303m in savings were identified by IATA Green Teams - experts that consult with airlines to implement recognised fuel conservation techniques.

Solutions are based on reducing weight by implementing measures such as lighter seats and trimming the number of on-board magazines as well as tackling fuel efficiencies by reducing drag, improving load distribution and taxiing on a reduced number of engines. These efforts involved 8 airlines in the region during 2007 and 12 since the campaign's launch in 2005.

Over $12m was saved by shortening routes in Bahrain, Iran and Algeria; improving departure, approach and landing procedures in Doha and Yenbou; and introducing Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (which helps aircraft save fuel by having better access to optimum flight levels)in Algeria.

IATA's fuel campaign is part of a four-pillar strategy to achieve carbon-neutral growth in the near term and zero emissions in the long term. This strategy, which was endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and 179 member states during its September 2007 assembly, calls on industry and governments to:

1. Invest in new technology

2. Fly planes more effectively

3. Build and use efficient infrastructure and

4. Use effective economic measures

Environment is not yet at the top of the political agenda in the Middle East but it is rising quickly," said Bisignani. "Aviation is key to the diversification of the regional economy. We are supporting its sustainability with a clear vision that is backed up with a sound strategy, concrete actions and tangible results."