In addition to its climb-out optimization module SITA OptiClimb® currently used by almost 40 airlines worldwide, SITA OptiFlight® also allows pilots to cut fuel burn and carbon emissions during the cruise thanks to the module SITA OptiDirect that provides direct routes recommendation based on historical track flown. 

From Q4 2024, SITA will enrich SITA OptiFlight® with the new module SITA Optilevel, enabling airlines to achieve additional and significant fuel savings and emissions reduction. The module is currently used within two airlines in the frame of innovation partnerships. SITA OptiLevel already showed great achievements allowing our innovation partners to save in average 1% of the cruise fuel burn. 

On most flights, the cruise phase is the highest fuel consuming phase offering thus great inflight fuel saving opportunities. Indeed, Flight Levels in flight plans are constrained, but there is a possibility to adapt the vertical profile to real weather and ATC conditions as well as to climb between waypoints. However, differences in winds may cancel the positive effect of flying higher. In addition, pilots can adjust Mach speed for on-time arrival when they are ahead or behind schedule and not in a position to request a new flight plan. Pilots can thus also optimize the fuel/time ratio but may not have enough information to perform speed adjustments since the relationship between cruise Mach, time, and fuel consumption is not linear. Depending on winds and Flight Level, a decrease in Mach may result in either a decrease or increase in trip fuel. In addition, the fuel consumption of additional flight time resulting should be considered. 

SITA OptiLevel advises pilots on best initial flight level and cruise level and speed changes considering winds and aircraft weight. SITA OptiLevel uses tail-specific predictive performance models in combination with accurate 4D weather forecasts to adjust vertical profile and cruise speeds. It offers pilots the best flight level/wind trade-off. 

In addition, SITA Optilevel will be able to consider unexpected Flight Level or speed changes to provide a new set of recommendations inflight leveraging aircraft connectivity. 

Finally, building on QAR data, SITA Optilevel allows to compute savings post-flight and customers will receive monthly reports summarizing the usage of SITA OptiLevel alongside the accumulated savings generated with the use of the module. 

“Our ambition is to help the air transport industry progress faster on our shared journey to net­ zero” said Yann Cabaret, CEO, SITA FOR AIRCRAFT. “With innovative, cost-effective, and data­ driven solutions like SITA OptiFlight®, we can help all airlines and their employees to make more informed decisions that drive greater and much-needed operational efficiencies today”