How a 1kg Weight Reduction Can Save $1,772 in Annual Fuel Costs

Around 2.4% of global CO2 emissions come from aviation, but if you include the CO2 directly emitted from the jet engines, water vapour and other gases, it’s around 5%.

These numbers may not seem like much, but to put it into perspective, a flight from London to Berlin emits around 0.6 tonnes of CO2E (CO2 and other Green House Gases), which is three times the emissions saved from a year of recycling, so understandable that we can feel guilty for flying.

This is why it’s so important as a design organisation that we’re conscious about the weight of the materials we add to the aircraft, from seating, all the way to avionic modifications that optimise flight planning and performance. Whilst avionics mods may add a small amount of weight, the net effect of more efficient planning and performance should reduce fuel burn over the trip.

The Cost-Saving Potential of Upgrading Your Aircraft Modifications

When we think about saving the environment, it usually comes at an extra cost. We’ve introduced a series of posts to help you, as an operator, introduce modifications that save money in the long term with a modest initial outlay (assuming you’re already planning an upgrade).

So how do you achieve this cost reduction?

One possibility is to reduce the aircraft weight, improving fuel efficiency and leading to noticeably lower operating costs.

Aircraft weight can be reduced by investing in lighter materials which may also, if carefully selected, improve longevity and sustainability. Lower fuel consumption, reduced replacement of parts and materials will reduce operating costs in the long term.

Even small weight reductions from seating, avionic upgrades and sustainable materials can lead to measurable fuel savings and emission reductions. As operators and maintainers, you need to balance the costs of modification with the long-term financial and environmental benefits.

The Methodology Calculations for Cost Saving Figures

Click this link to read the methodology used to calculate fuel savings in this series of posts. We’ve put them in a different post due to the length and to save you time reading.

When Should You Upgrade?

Each week we’ll be introducing a typical modification that will calculate the average saving for fuel costs by its weight saving versus an expected replacement, as well as the weight/performance mix – i.e. the negative effect of a small weight gain may be less than the effect of improved efficiencies in fuel consumption.

We work closely with our customers to assist in the timely installation of our modifications to meet planned aircraft return to service dates, reducing downtime and costs to keep your aircraft in the sky for longer.

What You Should Consider Before Upgrading

When the time comes to upgrade your aircraft, there are a few things you should consider:

• Downtime costs: Does the savings in fuel cost due to the increased efficiency from the modification cover the cost of downtime the aircraft will have whilst installing the modification?
• Regulatory changes: Considering upcoming regulatory changes that may require upgrades regardless of cost considerations is essential.
• Change in weight: The effect any modification will have on aircraft weight is always a primary consideration. Analysis should be conducted to ascertain the impact of the change on overall fuel consumption (and the resultant environmental impact).

There will be other aspects to consider for each aircraft, but these are the main ones we’ve selected.

What to Expect Next

Next week we’ll be talking about different seat options you can opt for to save weight, while improving the quality of your Layout of Passenger Accommodations (LOPA).

If you want to upgrade to a sustainable material for your aircraft, get in touch using the form below to discuss your modification options or email us at info@atleurope.aero.