Airbus Advances Formation Flight Project, Shifting Focus to Pilot and Controller Procedures

Airbus is progressing with its 'fello'fly' formation flight project, which has demonstrated fuel savings of 5-10% by allowing aircraft to fly in each other's wake. Having proven the technical concept, the company is now shifting its focus to the human and operational elements. The current phase centers on developing procedures, tools, and training for pilots and air traffic controllers to safely manage these flights in busy airspace. Airbus is collaborating with European air navigation service providers like DSNA and NATS, using simulations to define the roles and responsibilities required. The goal is to create a standardized operational framework to make wake-energy retrieval a routine procedure for long-haul flights.

Official Source: https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/airbus-moves-formation-flight-project-focus-controllers-pilots

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