Operational energy conservation strategies in commercial aviation

During the past few years, the air transportation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have identified a number of optional operational strategies intended to save jet fuel. Currently, a number of these options are either fully or partially implemented. However, the implementation is generally based on relatively simple open-loop control approaches, and the application of more sophisticated real-time decision and closed-loop control techniques could offer additional fuel savings. In light of the escalating price of jet fuel, a careful reexamination of the cost/ benefits of operational strategies involving the application of real-time decision and control technology is considered to be mandatory. This paper examines 12 fuel conservation strategies applicable to commercial aviation operations and considered to be candidates for the application of real-time decision and control techniques. The information presented is based on a comprehensive review of the literature and on discussions with personnel associated with the fuel conservation efforts of airlines, aircraft manufacturers, research organizations, airline employee organizations, and government agencies. The total fuel savings potential of these strategies is estimated to be about 12 percent of current fuel usage. Savings already achieved through the partial implementation of these 12 strategies and other strategies, described in Reference 1, are shown to be about 5 percent. However, realization of the remaining savings potential will depend on the application of near-optimal, real-time decision and control techniques. Of the operational strategy categories identified and analyzed in Reference 1, the Improved Airline Flight Procedures, Improved Air Traffic Control (ATC) Procedures, and Improved Equipment Related Procedures are most amenable to the application of real-time decision and control techniques and are briefly described in the following paragraphs.