easyJet Study Reveals Airspace Modernisation Could Cut 18 Million Tonnes of CO2 Annually

A new study by easyJet reveals that airspace inefficiencies across Europe contribute significantly to unnecessary fuel consumption, increased CO2 emissions, and prolonged flight times. The airline’s AI analysis shows that modernising airspace could result in an annual reduction of 18 million tonnes of CO2 across European aviation.

Inefficiencies Identified Across Europe

easyJet’s analysis, which monitored all of its flights over the past year, found that airspace inefficiencies increased CO2 emissions by 10.62%. This translates to 663,710 tonnes of excess carbon emissions from easyJet flights alone. The study highlights inefficiencies in multiple flight phases, particularly during descent, where outdated airspace designs cause delays and increased fuel consumption.

Key countries requiring urgent airspace reform include:

• United Kingdom
• Italy
• France
• Spain
• Switzerland

For instance, routes like London Gatwick to Milan Malpensa produce 19% excess emissions due to inefficient airspace design.

Modernisation: The Key to Decarbonisation

easyJet is pushing for urgent airspace reform to address these inefficiencies, which would not only cut CO2 emissions but also improve operational efficiency and reduce delays. The study suggests that implementing Continuous Climb Operations (CCO) and Continuous Descent Approaches (CDA), as well as redesigning lower airspace around airports, could deliver substantial improvements.

Widespread Benefits

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, emphasized:

“Airspace modernisation is the quickest and most cost-effective way to reduce carbon emissions. The airspace corridors we use today were built in the 1950s and are no longer fit for purpose.”

He added that this long-overdue reform could significantly improve CO2 reduction, flight times, and passenger experience.

Specific Routes and Areas of Concern

The study pinpointed the most inefficient routes in several countries, including:

• Palma de Mallorca to London Gatwick
• Faro to London Gatwick
• Porto to Geneva
• Nice to London Gatwick

Additionally, airports like London Gatwick, Milan Malpensa, Geneva, and Paris Charles de Gaulle were identified as having the most inefficient departure and arrival procedures.

Collaborative Efforts to Reform Airspace

easyJet is calling for collaboration between Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), airports, and governments to expedite airspace reforms. Countries like the UK and France are among the last to fully implement Cross-Border Free Route Airspace (FRA), which would allow more direct routing and fuel savings.

Government Support

UK Aviation Minister Mike Kane expressed his support for airspace reform:

“A modernised airspace system will help ease delays, support decarbonisation, and reduce noise, aligning with the Government’s plan to boost economic growth.”

A Path Forward

To unlock the potential for over 10% in airspace efficiency gains, easyJet’s data suggests that restructuring outdated airspace and removing unnecessary constraints are crucial. Among the recommended changes are the implementation of Required Navigation Performance with Authorisation Required (RNP-AR), which has already proven successful in Scandinavia.

The study demonstrates that modernising airspace could be a significant step towards achieving the aviation industry's decarbonisation goals while improving overall operational efficiency across Europe.