Main benefits of the connected aircraft

Inmarsat’s study highlights a diverse range of benefits that could arise as a result of airlines’ investment in connected operations. These include:

Lower fuel consumption and emissions
Maintenance and flight optimisation
Better fleet utilisation
Increased airspace capacity
Increased aircraft and passenger safety

Let’s take a closer look at these benefits.

Lowering fuel consumption with real-time data

Aircraft fuel is one of the heaviest budget headings for any airline. Fuel accounts for up to 20 percent of airlines’ total operating costs and a third of the global airline industry's total expenses. With that in mind, it’s clear that any mean to lower fuel consumption will have a profound impact on the profitability of airlines.

Although engine OEMs work continuously to enhance the fuel efficiency of aircraft engines, the improvements in engine technology have little effect if aircraft often end up flying longer, inefficient routes.

According to Inmarsat, optimised flight planning and other efficiencies made possible by inflight connectivity is estimated to yield 2-3 percent fuel savings per flight – that’s 3.3bn to 10.1bn litres saved annually globally, at a value of US$1.3bn-US$3.9bn.

Dynamic adjustments

Optimising pre-planned routes is just one of the cost-saving benefits of the connected aircraft.

Satellite-enabled connectivity will enable real-time streaming of severe weather and wind updates on the fly, allowing pilots to steer away from potential areas of clear air turbulence and severe weather – avoiding delays and saving up to 3.39bn litres of fuel per year.

There’s a clear correlation between the weight of the aircraft and fuel burn. Due to communication issues, Inmarsat notes, around 1 out of 10 aircraft depart without the latest wind and temperature data for the pre-planned route. As a result, the aircraft must carry more contingency fuel, adding unnecessary weight.

A connected aircraft could avoid this through its ability to upload and receive data at any time. Other dynamic, real-time adjustments include automated catering solutions that can accurately forecast passenger numbers and adjust catering requirements accordingly – thus reducing the weight of the aircraft.

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How connected aircraft could save the airline industry up to $15 billion