Sustainability technology: IRIS

Heavy air traffic congestion and year-over-year growth prospects make operational efficiency, including in terms of environmental impact, an even more complex challenge. To address this scenario, ITA Airways has defined a structured plan that integrates the reduction of climate-altering impacts (the EU targets call for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050) with innovation at every operational stage of flight and ground operations.

Precision Flight Planning: Each route is designed to consume less based on aircraft performance, weather, and air traffic to reduce fuel consumption even before takeoff.

OptiClimb: Artificial intelligence serving efficiency. We use a machine learning system that optimizes the takeoff phase to reduce fuel consumption without extending flight times.

Weight & Balance: Every kilogram counts. Thanks to our continuous focus on cabin weight and onboard cargo, and intelligent fuel management (just-in-time fueling precisely adjusted 20 minutes before the flight to avoid excess), we improve the overall efficiency of each route.

Eco-Piloting: There’s also efficiency in the cockpit through fuel-saving flight procedures, with optimized speeds, levels, and trajectories, use of a single engine during taxiing, and efficient aerodynamic configurations.

IRIS: More efficient routes with an advanced satellite communication system. We were among the first in Europe to adopt this program – developed by Inmarsat with the European Space Agency (ESA) – which allows routes to be optimized, reducing wait times, consumption, and CO2 emissions by up to 10%.

Ground Operations: Less consumption even in ground operations. We use dedicated equipment for power and air conditioning, reducing the use of engines and the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), which supplies energy to the aircraft during ground operations, when it is possible not to use its engines) to limit consumption and emissions even before the flight.

Maintenance Performance: Engines always at peak efficiency. With scheduled washes and targeted maintenance, we maintain performance quality over time and avoid inefficiencies and fuel waste.