The Lufthansa Group announced a significant expansion of its ambitious, group-wide fuel efficiency initiative, “OPS Sustainability,” underscoring its commitment to embedding environmental improvements directly into the daily operational processes of all its member airlines.
Since its launch in 2022, the program has already yielded substantial results through the implementation of over 90 individual measures. These efforts have successfully conserved approximately 54,000 metric tonnes of kerosene and, crucially, permanently avoided about 170,000 tonnes of emissions. To put this into perspective, this saving is equivalent to the total fuel consumption and output of 640 round-trip flights between Munich and New York utilizing a state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900.
The Group is now setting an even higher benchmark, aiming to prevent an additional 50,000 tonnes of $\text{CO}_2$ annually across its operations by the end of 2028. This next phase is projected to deliver an annual fuel saving exceeding 15,200 metric tonnes, driven by the integration of cutting-edge digital tools and advanced data-based decision models.
“We embed sustainability where it has the most immediate impact – in the day-to-day operations of our airlines,” commented Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer of Lufthansa Group. “Our OPS Sustainability program is already delivering measurable efficiency gains and environmental improvements. At the same time, we are investing more than ever in highly fuel-efficient, state-of-the-art aircraft.”
Data-Driven Approach Targets Operational Excellence
The newly launched phase of the program is characterized by a practical, data-driven approach to enhancing efficiency across all aspects of flight operations. Key measures include the deployment of sophisticated digital applications that will use historical consumption data to make more precise, tailored decisions regarding the necessary fuel load for each flight. Further efficiency gains will come from optimized taxiing and approach procedures, more precise flight planning, and water loading customized to demand. Crucially, sustainability practices are being systematically integrated into the training curriculum for both flight and ground crews, fostering a culture of conscious, efficient operational decision-making.
In addition to procedural enhancements, technological innovation remains a core component. The pioneering “AeroSHARK” surface technology, developed by Lufthansa Technik in collaboration with BASF, is already making a tangible difference. This innovative film, which mimics the drag-reducing aerodynamic properties of shark skin, has been applied to over 20 Lufthansa Group aircraft. It consistently reduces drag, achieving approximately a one percent reduction in fuel consumption and $\text{CO}_2$ emissions on every flight.
Group Synergy Drives Greater Success
The OPS Sustainability program, which covers all operational areas including cockpit, cabin, ground processes, maintenance, and cargo, leverages the Group’s combined strength. Experts from various departments collaborate across the entire organization, analyzing operational data, identifying areas of inefficiency, and developing unified, effective solutions. This strategically coordinated approach at the Group level, combined with local implementation across the Lufthansa Group airlines, allows the company to maximize synergies and achieve greater successes in its fuel efficiency mission.
This continuous improvement of fuel efficiency is identified by the Lufthansa Group as one of five key levers driving more sustainable flying, alongside fleet modernization, increased use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), expanded intermodality, and a comprehensive range of options for private and corporate customers to fly more sustainably.
