In an effort to help achieve net zero carbon emissions for commercial aviation by 2050, Thales, Air France, DSNA, ONERA, Atmosphère, CGX and Cerfacs have announced they have joined forces on the Octavie project to test an innovative new concept.
Under the ‘Green Flag’ concept, which was developed for the Provert study by Thales, France’s air navigation services provider DSNA and Air France, air traffic control authorities can designate certain portions of airspace as Green Flag sectors during periods of moderate traffic. Working in coordination with air traffic controllers, pilots in these sectors are then able to adopt the most eco-friendly practices by optimising flight parameters (route, altitude, speed) to minimise fuel consumption and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The concept relies on the use of collaborative digital tools to simplify interaction between pilots and controllers and guarantee the highest possible levels of flight safety.
The Octavie project has already moved into a new phase and conducted its first tests in real-life conditions on two Air France flights between Paris-Orly and Toulouse-Blagnac. Thales says the tests demonstrated the value of the Green Flag concept and its ability to reduce CO2 emissions while optimising altitude and distance. Thanks to easier interaction between the flight deck and air traffic control centres, controllers were able to maintain the aircraft at cruising speed for longer periods, and flight crews could adopt continuous descent approach procedures to reduce fuel consumption.
“Thanks to the strong engagement of the project partners and the support of the Occitanie region, we have just cleared an important hurdle in the race to decarbonise aviation. The test results and the lessons learned have paved the way for optimised flow management, which will make it possible to reduce flight CO2 emissions by 10%,” said Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice President, Avionics at Thales.
Laurent Lafontan, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations Technical Development, Air France commented: “Decarbonising aviation is a key challenge for everyone involved in the air transport sector. The success of the Octavie project shows how crucial it is for all the stakeholders to work together to achieve realistic, ambitious and highly demanding CO2 emissions reduction targets like those adopted by Air France. Alongside its partners Thales and DSNA, Air France is contributing specialised expertise and resources to drive the innovations that will make air transport more sustainable.”
