IndiGo Airlines embarks on a weight loss journey like no other, shedding kilos from their aircraft to soar higher and save on fuel costs. Explore how it will impact the airline company.
Hold on to your seat belts because we are about to unveil the intriguing secrets behind airlines’ strict baggage policies!
As the days pass, you might have noticed that airlines have become strict gatekeepers, urging passengers to travel light and leave their hefty baggage behind. But have you ever wondered why?
At first glance, you might assume that airlines want to ensure your comfort during the journey or prevent overhead bins from turning into chaotic battlegrounds.
Well, my curious friends, prepare yourself for a reality check!
The truth is each item you bring aboard makes the plane heavier, and a heavier plane burns more fuel . With the cost of operating soaring every minute, airlines have a vested interest in keeping your baggage to a minimum. The jaw-dropping realisation is that even the tiniest addition to your carry-on contributes to the airline’s financial burden.
According to National Geographic, every item you bring on board has a weight consequence that goes beyond your imagination. Even your slim laptop adds an extra 33 cents to the cost of each flight, and the cosy neck pillow you can’t sleep without contributes an additional 6 cents.
Yes, you read that correctly – every magazine, every amenity, and every personal belonging pushes up the fuel cost for the airline.
In the recent turn of events, IndiGo Airlines took bold strides to make the aircraft lighter to save more fuel.
What’s Happening?
IndiGo Airlines has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to reduce the weight of its aircraft. Recently, they obtained approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to eliminate technical paper manuals from their cockpit. This move is expected to lighten each Airbus aircraft by approximately 40 kilograms .
IndiGo has been actively implementing weight reduction initiatives to pursue fuel efficiency. Back in 2015, it became the first regional airline to introduce the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) system, replacing paper charts and manuals with iPads. This transition saved them 25 kilograms per aircraft , according to Economic Times.
Following the success of their Less Paper Cockpit (LPC) program, IndiGo has now received DGCA authorisation to remove the remaining onboarded paper manuals.
The American Airlines Inspiration!
In 2017, Air India made a surprising decision to eliminate salads from their in-flight meals. This cost-saving measure was inspired by American Airlines. In 1980, the airline observed that passengers often overlooked the customary olive in their salads. So, they decided to remove one olive from every plate. And the result was mind-blowing! The airline saved over $40,000 annually due to reduced ingredient costs and fuel.
Similarly, according to Financial Express, in 2013, GoAir decided to hire only air hostesses instead of male flight pursers because every kilogram shed translates to considerable savings in the yearly fuel bill.
Lastly, according to Los Angeles Times, United Airlines carriers began saving 1,70,000 gallons of fuel annually by using lighter paper on inflight magazines!
What’s Next?
Every gram counts in the aviation world where weight = fuel and fuel = increased cost.
Airline companies worldwide are racing to save fuel by cutting back on the tiniest of details, like olives and switching to lighter paper sheets.
IndiGo is trimming a whopping 40 kg from their aircraft. This move gives them a fuel cost advantage, makes the environment jump for joy and may strengthen the airlines’ bottom line.
That’s it for today. We hope you’ve found this article informative. Remember to spread the word among your friends. Until we meet again, stay curious!
*The companies mentioned in the article are for information only. This is not investment advice.
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