Virgin Atlantic uses data platform to nudge pilots to save fuel
Virgin Atlantic is using software that provides behavioural nudges to its pilots to achieve significant fuel savings.
Signol is a behavioural economics and data science app designed to reduce fuel…
Virgin Atlantic is using software that provides behavioural nudges to its pilots to achieve significant fuel savings.
Signol is a behavioural economics and data science app designed to reduce fuel usage and carbon emissions.
The Signol platform uses data analysis to provide recommendations on a personalised basis on how to fly most efficiently from a fuel burn perspective.
Individual feedback to reduce fuel usage
Virgin captains are provided with individual feedback to reduce fuel usage based on optimised fuel efficiency behaviours, whilst complying with all standards of fuel management and flight safety. The equivalent of 1,000 tonnes of fuel has been saved during the first six months of operation.
Corneel Koster, chief customer and operating officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’ve been on a pathway to reduce fuel and carbon in our fuel efficiency programme for over a decade, whilst always looking for innovations that take us to the next level.
“The Signol software uses data science and behavioural economics to assist our captains in making the most sustainable choices to reduce carbon emissions and fuel burn.
“In addition to our multi-billion dollar investment in fleet transformation to ensure we are operating one of the youngest, cleanest fleets, we continue to invest in innovation and technology partners across the industry who help us on our mission to create a low carbon future at pace.
“Signol’s ability to deliver further fuel reductions assists us in continuously moving the dial.”
£1m in fuel saved in a matter of months
Natasha Gedge, COO at Signol, said: “The aviation industry is demanding environmental solutions that aren’t capital intensive and slow-moving. We’re delighted to be working with Virgin Atlantic to deliver just that – the equivalent to £1m in fuel saved in a matter of months.
“There is so much work going into decarbonising the aviation industry, but developing new technologies and fuels takes time. Signol helps businesses tweak behaviours to reduce carbon emissions from day one and achieve meaningful fuel savings in a matter of months through behaviour change alone.”
The three-year deal between Virgin Atlantic and Signol follows the success of an initial pilot study in 2014 in which 24,000 metric tons of CO2 was saved across an 8-month period.
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