ROME, April 23 (Reuters) - Italian carrier ITA Airways, part of the Lufthansa group, said on Thursday it will save jet fuel and reduce emissions thanks to an AI tool that improves aircraft flight
ITA Airways Adopts AI to Cut Jet Fuel Use and Emissions, Targets Savings by 2026
ITA Airways Implements AI Technology for Fuel Efficiency and Emission Reduction
Overview of ITA Airways' AI Initiative
ROME, April 23 (Reuters) - Italian carrier ITA Airways, part of the Lufthansa group, said on Thursday it will save jet fuel and reduce emissions thanks to an AI tool that improves aircraft flight performance.
Industry Challenges and Economic Pressures
Airlines have been among the hardest hit by the he U.S.-Israeli war with Iran as higher jet fuel prices are forcing them to raise fares, add fuel surcharges or ground aircraft as well as revise their financial outlooks.
Projected Savings and Environmental Impact
• ITA said it is on track to deliver more than 7,100 tons of fuel savings, and over 22,100 tons of CO2, across 2025 and 2026.
How SITA's OptiFlight AI Tool Works
Technical Features of OptiFlight
• SITA's OptiFlight, rolled out across the group's fleet, calculates the most efficient climb profile - the combination of airspeed, acceleration, power and gradual gain in altitude from takeoff to cruising altitude - for each flight, using predictive analytics, machine learning and 4D weather data.
Statements from ITA and SITA Leadership
ITA Airways' Commitment to Sustainability
• "(It) allows us to achieve significant fuel‑saving and emissions reductions without compromising efficiency or safety. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to more sustainable and responsible aviation, ITA Chief Innovation Officer Francesco Presicce said in a statement.
SITA's Perspective on Industry Challenges
• "The aviation industry faces the urgent challenge of reducing emissions while maintaining operational efficiency," Yann Cabaret, CEO of SITA for Aircraft, said in the same statement.
• He added: "Fuel consumption is one of the biggest hurdles for airlines facing increasing regulatory and environmental pressures, and with it being one of the biggest costs in day-to-day operations, the need for intelligent solutions has never been greater".
Rising Jet Fuel Prices and Industry Impact
Financial Implications for Airlines
• Jet fuel prices have soared from $85 to $90 per barrel to $150 to $200 per barrel in recent weeks, a financial hit for an industry where fuel accounts for up to a quarter of operating expenses.
(Reporting by Giulia Segreti; Editing by Alvise Armellini and Susan Fenton)
