Tuesday 30 June 2020

DHL plans ‘perfect flight’ to save jet fuel and reduce CO2 emissions

The world's largest logistics company DHL is planning a 'perfect flight' to save jet fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The logistics firm will take several steps to ensure the 'perfect flight' including a pre-flight engine washing to improve aerodynamics, a smart flight planning system and an optimised take-off route.

On its flight from the DHL hub in Leipzig, Germany to JFK International Airport in New York City, the cargo plane is scheduled to consume a lower amount of fuel and generate reduced emissions. 

The demonstration flight, which will take place on 1st July, will be carried out under real operating conditions with the plane loaded to its usual capacity.

The jet fuel saving of the flight is anticipated to be one tonne, which corresponds to a reduction in carbon dioxide of more than three tonnes.

Roy Hughes, Executive Vice President, DHL Network Operations Europe, said: "Our 'perfect flight' can demonstrate a route to making air freight more efficient with the lowest possible fuel consumption and a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. With this demonstration flight, we can gain important insights for the air transport industry and contribute to the Deutsche Post DHL Group's climate goal of net zero emissions from transportation."

The company has invested in the modernisation of its airfreight operations in recent years with fleet renewal and the acquisition of 14 new Boeing planes, which generate up to 18% less carbon dioxide emissions.