GOL and TAP Embrace IATA FuelIS for Sustainable Fuel Efficiency Solutions

A recent publication by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveals that GOL and TAP Air Portugal are leading the way as the first airlines to implement IATA FuelIS, a cutting-edge analytics tool aimed at optimizing fuel usage.

IATA’s roadmap for achieving net-zero carbon emissions emphasizes that advancements in technology and operational efficiencies—key factors in reducing fuel consumption—are projected to account for roughly 10% of emission reductions by 2050, excluding hydrogen or electric technologies.

“Managing fuel effectively is crucial for airlines.Jet fuel typically represents about 25-30% of overall costs. As airlines work towards decarbonization, monitoring carbon expenses linked to fuel use will become increasingly important. By utilizing FuelIS, airlines can assess their performance against industry standards, uncovering opportunities for cost savings and enhanced environmental practices. The collaboration wiht over 220 airlines providing operational insights makes FuelIS an invaluable resource,” stated Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president of operations, safety, and security.

the Importance of Accurate Data

IATA FuelIS enables carriers to evaluate their aircraft or engine fuel efficiency relative to industry benchmarks while offering critical insights into various markets and fleet types based on actual operational data. This system leverages information from the IATA Global Aviation Data management (GADM) platform sourced through the Flight Data eXchange (FDX) programme, which now includes over 220 global airlines contributing data from more than eight million flights annually.

This tool works hand-in-hand with IATA’s Fuel Efficiency Gap Analysis (FEGA),allowing users to develop and monitor effective fuel strategies. Since its inception in 2005, IATA has collaborated with global carriers to identify potential annual reductions of approximately 4.76 million tonnes in fuel consumption—translating into savings around $3.8 billion each year.