Paris, May 25, 2016. Ethiopian Airlines has chosen Safran’s SFCO2® service, jointly developed by two of its companies, Safran Aircraft Engines and Safran Electronics & Defense. Designed to reduce fuel consumption, the service will be deployed in 2016 and will cover the entire fleet deployed by the Ethiopian flag carrier, based in Addis Ababa.
Fuel is the leading expense for an airline, accounting for 25 to 30% of its direct operating costs. In addition to reducing fuel consumption through technological innovation, Safran is exploring another path via its SFCO2 service, namely the implementation of best operating practices. SFCO2 addresses airlines’ need to reduce fuel consumption by analyzing both maintenance and flight operations. The service combines Safran Aircraft Engines’ expertise as a leading aircraft engine manufacturer and service provider with Safran Electronics & Defense’s long experience in flight data analysis. In short, SFCO2 allows airlines to improve their fleets’ operational efficiency.
“This latest agreement extends the partnership we have developed with Ethiopian Airlines over the last thirteen years,” noted François Planaud, head of the Services and MRO Division at Safran Aircraft Engines. “We are very proud that Ethiopian has chosen this Safran service, which will considerably reduce their annual fuel bill.”
Safran’s specialized SFCO2 teams will submit a report to Ethiopian Airlines including personalized recommendations for improvements in its operating procedures. These teams will also focus on raising the awareness of the different persons involved, in terms of how their respective activities impact fleet fuel consumption, and supporting any required change management measures. In addition to this dedicated customer support, Ethiopian Airlines has unlimited access to an online app that allows it to track its progress and identify remaining potential savings, among other features.
The Ethiopian flag carrier is a CFM International* customer since it began operating two Boeing 737-700 twinjets, powered by CFM56-7B engines, in 2003. Today, Ethiopian Airlines operates a young fleet of 76 aircraft. * CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE that produces the CFM56 and LEAP engines.