In an era of razor thin airline profit margins and bloated fuel prices, a data-driven, safety-sensitive fuel management program is increasingly essential to efficient operations. Fuel now accounts for 33 percent of airline operating costs, up from 14 percent in 2003, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). At most airlines, fuel is more expensive than labor, which traditionally had been the largest single operating cost item.
The fuel-induced pressure on profitability has some in the industry concerned that carriers could opt to carry less fuel on some flights to reduce aircraft weight and decrease fuel burn, but a properly run fuel management program can positively impact safety performance. IATA, in its Guidance Material and Best Practices for Fuel and Environmental Management (the 5th edition of which was released in 2011), said that “managing fuel accurately and efficiently improves safety through additional attention to planning, high accuracy …
