From 2024, all new Lufthansa Group Airbus A320neo/A321neo aircraft will be delivered with automated flight profile transmission technology.
In a bid to enhance airspace management, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize CO2 emissions, the Lufthansa Group has decided to equip its new Airbus A320neo/A321neo aircraft with an innovative technology for transmitting flight profile information.
New 4D flight trajectory technology
Starting as early as 2024, the Lufthansa Group will receive more than 65 Airbus A320neo/A321neo aircraft on order – all equipped with the new ADS-C EPP (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract Extended Projected Profile) flight profile information technology.
This new development will contribute to more sustainable flying practices. The Lufthansa Group has taken the lead by investing in this new technology, aiming for its widespread implementation throughout Europe by 2024.
By 2028, it will become a mandatory installation in all newly delivered aircraft and ATC ground systems within the EU.
The newly introduced technology will automatically transmit 4D flight path information from the aircraft’s flight management system to air traffic control in real time.
The 4D flight trajectory encompasses the three spatial dimensions (length, width, height) along with time as the fourth dimension.
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The enhanced accuracy of this flight path information enables air traffic control to manage airspace more efficiently and optimize aircraft routing accordingly.
Lufthansa on the leading edge
Dr. Detlef Kayser, Member of the Lufthansa Group’s Executive Board, and responsible for Fleet and Technology, emphasizes the airline group’s commitment to sustainability and adopting cutting-edge technologies:
“When it comes to using new technologies for more sustainable flying, the Lufthansa Group plays a pioneering role.”
“That is why we have made a conscious decision to use the new technology for transmitting flight path information in real time as standard on our new Airbus A320neo/A321neo aircraft as early as 2024.”
“This will enable our pilots to fly even more efficiently on first flights within Europe as early as next year, thus reducing CO2 emissions.”
Modernising EU airspace
This implementation of automated flight profile transmission technology also contributes to the modernization of EU airspace.
Initially, the Lufthansa Group’s aircraft equipped with ADS-C EPP (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract Extended Projected Profile) will operate within the Maastricht airspace (MUAC), which meets all the necessary requirements.
Collaboration between the Lufthansa Group and other air navigation service providers is ongoing to ensure that more European airspaces can facilitate fuel-efficient flights in the shortest possible time.
Presently, the new technology is certified for use in aircraft belonging to the Airbus A320 family and the Airbus A330neo.
The Lufthansa Group’s decision to adopt automated flight profile transmission technology in its new Airbus A320neo/A321neo aircraft signifies a significant step towards sustainable flying.
Focus on sustainability
The Lufthansa Group was the first airline group in Europe with a science-based CO₂ reduction target in line with the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.
For effective climate protection, the Lufthansa Group is focusing in particular on accelerated fleet modernization, the use of SAF, the continuous optimization of flight operations, and offers for its private travelers and corporate customers to make a flight or the transport of cargo more sustainable.
In addition, the Lufthansa Group has been actively supporting global climate and weather research for many years.
Summary
By enabling more precise flight path information and optimizing airspace management, this technology will contribute further to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
As a pioneer in the industry, the Lufthansa Group aims to lead the way in promoting the adoption of this technology throughout Europe, thereby fostering more efficient and eco-friendly air travel.
