Airbus Fello’fly aims to cut long-haul fuel use by flying like migrating geese

Airbus is looking to lower aircraft fuel consumption by taking cues from the flight formations of migrating geese. A key set of trials was carried out between September and October with several airlines.

This December, Airbus’s Fello’fly programme reached another major milestone by completing a fresh test phase with Air France, Delta Air Lines, French Bee, and Virgin Atlantic. Launched several years ago, Fello’fly is designed to cut fuel burn on long-haul routes by drawing inspiration from migratory geese. The principle is to have aircraft fly together in a comparable formation, so that the aircraft behind can take advantage of the lift-inducing air currents produced by the lead aircraft, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

How Airbus Fello’fly works

In practical terms, the concept depends on two aircraft coordinating their routes so they can fly in formation while still operating safely within normal airspace rules. The trailing aircraft is positioned to benefit from the airflow created by the aircraft ahead, with the intention of lowering fuel use on long-distance services.

North Atlantic rendezvous tests with partner airlines

The trials involved eight aircraft operating over the North Atlantic Ocean between September and October. The purpose was to demonstrate “that the operational concept is a viable and safe method to guide two aircraft so that they meet at a precise time and location (rendezvous process), while maintaining full vertical separation and remaining compliant with air traffic regulations.”

So far, this approach has not yet been used on commercial flights. Even so, Airbus says that successfully proving the rendezvous process is an important step towards future fuel savings.

Significant savings

With this goose-inspired technique, Airbus believes airlines could make meaningful savings and further reduce CO2 emissions. The company estimates that once it becomes operational, Fello’fly (started in 2019) will allow formations to save up to 5% on long-haul flights.

Coordination and tools for the rendezvous process

Fello’fly also requires substantial coordination. During the trial, Airbus-developed software had to calculate revised flight trajectories as well as the instructions needed for the rendezvous. Those trajectories are then reviewed by “the airline dispatcher, the flight crew and air traffic control (ATC)” to decide whether they are operationally acceptable.

For its part, the EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub provides an interface enabling all participants to access information related to decision-making.

If everything proceeds as planned, flight routes are adjusted and crews activate a cockpit function that allows the aircraft to reach the rendezvous point at an exact time.