easyJet completes multi-million-pound tech installation to save 88,600 tons of CO2

easyJet has announced the completion of its fleetwide retrofit, which has seen Airbus’ Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) state-of-the-art technology now fitted on all of its aircraft, alongside Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) for compatible, newer aircraft in the easyJet fleet.

Descent Profile Optimisation (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. While Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) works in tandem with DPO to reduce noise.

The multi-million-pound retrofit programme, announced last year, is an integral part of the airline’s roadmap to reach net-zero by 2050. It will help easyJet achieve considerable and permanent carbon emission reductions in the short-term by enabling more optimised descent trajectories.

As well as saving on fuel burn and ultimately enabling carbon reductions – Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) which is complementary to Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) will also help in minimising noise which not only benefits the airline and its customers but also the airports and surrounding communities as a result of tighter noise regulations that are starting to be enforced.

easyJet continues to work with stakeholders and public authorities across Europe to advocate for the modernisation of airspace, including projects such as the Single European Sky and the UK’s airspace modernisation programme. For example, the Single European Sky has stated an ambition to deliver 10% carbon emissions savings from European aviation.

easyJet is also one of the founding members of the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) 3 Joint Undertaking, an institutionalised European public-private partnership, to accelerate the delivery of the Digital European Sky.

easyJet was also the first airline evaluation partner for IRIS, a ground-breaking air traffic management programme, led by global satellite communications leader Inmarsat, together with the European Space Agency and Airbus, that is set to pave the way for more efficient air traffic management by enabling systems that minimise flight delays, save fuel and help reduce the environmental impact of air travel.