easyJet has announced that all its aircraft are now fully operating with state-of-the-art software that significantly reduces carbon emissions and fuel costs.

The retrofit installation of Airbus’ Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) technology, alongside Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) for newer aircraft in the fleet, will enable the airline to make a permanent fuel saving of up to 88,600 metric tonnes of CO2 annually – the equivalent of driving a car around the world 16,100 times.

The completion of the multi-million-pound retrofit programme now means that easyJet is the largest operator in the world with DPO and CDA capability. It also plays an integral part in the airline’s roadmap to reach net-zero by 2050.

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 CDA works in tandem with DPO to reduce noise.

As well as saving on fuel burn and ultimately enabling carbon reductions, DPO – which is complementary to 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.

Captain David Morgan, chief operating officer at easyJet, said: “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 and environment at Airbus, said: “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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