Malaysia Airlines has introduced technology across 40 of its aircraft that it hopes will substantially cut fuel costs.
The FMS Wind Uplink service — developed by communication specialist SITA — works by constantly updating key flight management system calculations.
This allows MAS to adjust their flight plans according to changing wind and weather conditions, enabling its aircraft to use fuel as cost effectively as possible, it is claimed.
During trials, the technology delivered savings of up to 600kg of fuel "on a single flight sector".
MAS has installed the system on 40 of its aircraft, including across its A380 fleet.
Izham Ismail, director of operations for the airlines, said: "This new service from SITA delivers savings straight away. We have already trialled SITA Wind Uplink with great success in reducing our fuel costs.
"It has also helped improve our final fuel on board predictions and made our estimated time of arrival predictions more accurate. We are experiencing real business benefits following introduction of this service at Malaysia Airlines."
Whether this technology will result in lower fares for passengers remains to be seen.
For a guide to how Malaysia Airlines deploys its A380s, click here.
malaysiaairlines.com, sita.aero
Graham Smith
