Operation Efficiency

The Lufthansa Group works continuously on optimizing operations-related measures and processes on the ground and in the air in order to reduce fuel consumption and thus CO₂ emissions over the long-term.

OPERATIONAL MEASURES

· Airport infrastructures adapted to needs

· Improved use of airspace

· More efficient aircraft sizes

· Optimal flight routes and speeds

· Optimized processes on the ground

· New technologies

· Weight reduction

Improved use of airspace

Weight reduction & fuel savings

Energy & Resource Management

Frontaler Blick auf den Bug einer Lufthansa Boeing B747-400/frontal view of the radom of a Lufthansa Boeing B747-400

LX, Employee // Mitarbeiter // employés, Maintenance // Techniker // technicien

Single European airspace should reduce emissions

The modernization and harmonization of technologies, processes and standards in the European airspace are necessary to realize the significant potential of airspace infrastructure for greater efficiency. In autumn 2020, the European Commission started SES2+ (Single European Sky 2+) consultations, with the aim of incorporating findings that had been previously identified by various committees. In line with the European Commission’s current Green Deal, the aim is to reduce fuel consumption and thereby sustainably lower CO₂ emissions.

Parts of these new measures are based on the results of the European SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) program. This is a key milestone in the harmonisation and modernisation of European aviation infrastructure. The goal of this program is to develop, test and implement Europe-wide new technologies, procedures and standards that contribute to harmonizing and optimizing European air traffic management.

A systemic approach is increasingly taken to realize further efficiency gains at the interfaces to system partners such as airports or air traffic control. Navigation methods were optimized to achieve more efficient approaches with lower emissions. The aim is also to achieve an improvement in predictability and more efficient arrivals.

Weight reduction & fuel savings

In financial year 2020, 34 fuel-saving projects were under way across the Group. These projects comprise activities relating to performance and procedures, weight reduction, flight route optimization and technical developments. In addition to the reductions achieved in recent years, they made it possible to permanently avoid another 52.6 thousand tons of CO₂ emissions in the reporting year. The quantity of kerosene saved amounted to around 16.7 thousand tons – this is equivalent to approximately 196 return flights between Munich and New York with an Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Lufthansa Cargo has also developed a broad-ranging catalogue of measures aimed at reducing the CO₂ emissions of its freighter fleet. The logistics specialist continuously works on alternatives for its loading devices and has already replaced 75 percent of all standard containers with more lightweight models. Furthermore, Lufthansa Cargo is testing the use of more lightweight palettes for freight stowage.

The Lufthansa Group pursues the goal of implementing paperless handling of all related processes step-by-step. Effects on the environment can be significantly reduced by fully digitalizing the delivery chain.

Among others, the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) specialist developed a unique engine wash process using CO₂ dry ice. Thus, engines can be washed 365 days a year, even in permafrost regions. With this innovation Lufthansa Technik makes a significant contribution to lowering the fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions in civil aviation by several hundred thousand tons per year.

Reportage _Schwebeflieger_ Lufthansa Magazin 03_2009_ Diese Maschine liegt mal nicht aus eigener Kraft gut in der Luft_ Um das Fahrwerk der A340_600 zu ueberpruefen, _ist der Flieger in einer Wartungshalle in _Frankfurt an der Nase und unter den Fluegeln aufgebockt. Das gesamte Gewicht verteilt sich auf diese drei Stellen_ das entspricht der Belastung des Front_ und Hauptfahrwerks am Boden. Dazu befestigen die Techniker die Flugzeugheber __Boecke__ und bringen die Maschine _auf null_, das heisst in eine _waagerechte Position entlang der Laengs_ und Querneigung. Der Bordcomputer tariert Treibstoffreste so aus, dass diese Position zu 100 Prozent erreicht ist. Erst dann wird der Flieger angehoben, damit verschiedene Wartungsarbeiten erledigt werden koennen, darunter auch der sogenannte Gearswing_ Die Fahrwerke werden getestet und geprueft, alle Fahrwerksklappen muessen optimal schliessen. Das ist auch wichtig, um den Luftwiderstand gering zu halten, was Treibstoff spart und die Effizienz steigert.__Documentation _Inspection from below _ Lufthansa Magazin 03_2009_ It may look like it, but this A340_600 isn_t levitating. It has _been propped up on its nose and wings _inside the maintenance hangar in Frankfurt to enable the technicians to inspect the landing gears. The entire weight of the aircraft is distributed over these three points, a load equal to that usually borne by the nose and main landing gears on the ground. The maintenance people anchor the aircraft jacks safely and bring the plane into a horizontal position, meaning that both pitch and bank angle are at zero degrees_ the on_board computer balances _out any fuel still in the tanks to ensure _100 percent zero_position accuracy. Then, and only then, is the plane jacked up so that the various different maintenance jobs can be done. One such job is the gear swing. This involves checking that the landing gear doors close perfectly. This is also important as it keeps air resistance low, and that in turn helps to reduce kerosene consumption and boost efficiency.

An Airbus A320 with Austrian Airlines foiling overhead

Kampagne, campaign, campagne, Menschen, people, personnes

Energy & Resource Management

Making economically and ecologically efficient use of energy and resources is of decisive importance in all business segments across the Lufthansa Group. In addition to meeting legal requirements, it is important for the Group to identify sustainable potentials for the sparing use of electricity and water, and to develop corresponding solutions.

Another essential approach on the ground is to implement energy-saving and resource-conserving measures in planning, modernizing and constructing buildings.

Since 2020, the Lufthansa Group has exclusively been purchasing green electricity in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium. To this end, Lufthansa has acquired green power certificates, which guarantee the production of green electricity from new power plants, thus contributing to the expansion of renewable energy. As a further measure, the Lufthansa Group aims to reach CO₂-neutral mobility on the ground in its home markets by 2030.