“One department in which we are heavily investing is the data analytics one”
In her speech at ESCP Republique for “Tribune”, Anne Rigail, current CEO at Air France explained the role of data in the Airline industry. More specifically, she detailed how the company is turning into a pioneer in the research of new algorithms to mitigate its CO2 emissions.
How is that possible?
Through predictive maintenance first. It is the discipline that aims to predict when a component failure might occur. It gives the ability to correctly predict the right moment to repair or replace a part. If done too far in advance, the benefits of longer usage are lost.
On the other hand, commercial aircraft trajectory optimisation is another strategy that could help reduce flight costs and pollution. For long flights, the cruise is the longest phase and where the largest amount of fuel is consumed. A three-dimensional grid method that couples lateral navigation and vertical navigation profiles could be implemented. With a dynamic analysis of the wind, the aircraft performs a horizontal deviation or changes altitudes via step climbs to reduce fuel consumption. Generally speaking, this technique gives a 5% average flight cost reduction.
You can listen to Tribune’s interview with the link given below.
