Carrier to explore cost savings potential of on-board flight profile optimization with software by specialist provider PACE.
BERLIN/SEATTLE, 25 September 2013 – Lufthansa is the launch customer for a new EFB tool which will help pilots actively manage the operational efficiency of their flights. The software will use live aircraft and weather data to determine in real time the most cost-efficient flight trajectory for the remaining route to destination. Making full use of the EFB’s computational power and of high-fidelity performance data, the software is set to achieve significantly more accurate results than current on-board technology.
With the most cost-efficient, or ECON, trajectory as a reference, the software is able to pinpoint the available cost savings potential for every instant of the flight and display it to pilots in easy-to-read charts, giving concise information about fuel burn, overall cost and delay; the latter provides additional support for managing on-time performance.
The Pacelab Flight Profile Optimizer is currently being developed by Berlin-based software provider PACE, who specializes in operational efficiency management solutions for airlines. In fact, the present collaboration with Lufthansa follows the successful implementation of a similar project with the carrier’s regional subsidiary Lufthansa CityLine.
A first prototype of the software is planned for late 2013; initially, it will be deployed on Class 2 EFBs on the carrier’s intercontinental fleet for a large-scale evaluation, to become part of the standard installation if the savings projected in a preliminary study are realized.
"In Lufthansa, we have found the perfect launch customer for the Pacelab Flight Profile Optimizer," says Dr. Oliver Kranz, PACE Managing Partner and head of the company’s airline division. "Lufthansa is a recognized innovation leader, and we are very fortunate to be able to draw on their vast operational know-how in the development of our software."
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About PACE Aerospace Engineering and Information Technology GmbH
PACE, with offices in Germany and the US, develops and distributes intelligent software solutions for aircraft and engine manufacturers, airlines, MRO providers and leasing companies supporting the entire life-cycle of the aircraft, from marketing and design to customization and flight operations. Major areas of application are conceptual aircraft and aircraft systems design, cabin configuration, performance analysis and the management of fuel and operational efficiency in flight operations.
Customers include Airbus, Air Berlin, ASDL, Boeing, Bombardier, COMAC, Embraer, Emirates, Etihad, Eurocopter, Eurowings, GE Aviation, Irkut, Lufthansa CityLine, MDA, Rolls-Royce, Superjet International, Sukhoi and Swiss International Air Lines.
