A new refueling management system at Manchester Airport will help the airport tackle delays. The system, provided by i6 Group, provides refuelers with real-time information feeds to maximize operational efficiency. Let's explore this story below.
Manchester Airport rolls out refueling system
Every minute counts in the aviation business as airlines and airports strive to achieve optimal operational efficiency and drive down costs. Manchester Airport's (MAN) new refueling management system, in partnership with i6 Group, promises to play a crucial role in optimizing operations and minimizing delays.
The system will improve communication and integrate information feeds between airlines, refuelers and airport authorities, helping carriers refuel their aircraft more quickly.
Steve Urhmacher, CEO at i6 Group said,
"Advanced technology is key in finding efficiency and sustainability gains throughout the refueling process. It’s a pleasure to bring our technology to Manchester and we look forward to rolling out eHandshake - helping to create a smarter and more sustainable airport."
Delays in the refueling process can impact an airline's On-Time Performance (OTP) and push up operational costs. Other inefficiencies, such as under/over-fueling, also have an impact both financially and environmentally.
How exactly will it work?
The new refueling management system boasts key features to offer a seamless, cost-efficient hardware and software refueling solution. Firstly, refuelers will be kept in the loop with real-time updates on flight information, such as delays or schedule changes, so they can be ready as soon as they are needed.
As i6 Group explained,
"Feed integrations with the airport and airlines will keep refuelers informed of the most up-to-date flight information, with faster updates for flight changes due to weather, disruptions or delays - ensuring that refuelers are always in the right place at the right time."
Additionally, refuelers will know the exact quantity of fuel required by an airline in advance, helping it to accurately prepare and avoid under/over-fueling.
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'eHandshake' technology coming soon
i6 Group is behind the eHandshake system, which allows pilots to communicate directly with refuelers digitally. Ordinarily, refueling orders are issued in-person using paper tickets once aircraft have landed, an outdated process that leads to considerable inefficiency.
Check out our article on how an aircraft is refueled to learn more about the process.
According to i6, eHandshake "allows for quicker and paperless refueling, social distancing, and a 50% reduced risk of over-fuelling." Virgin Atlantic has already begun using eHandshake at major US airports, beginning with San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and will be the first to use the technology at MAN when it is rolled out.
Eve Messenger, Fuel Manager at Virgin Atlantic, noted,
"As we focus on decarbonizing aviation, it’s crucial for us to ensure that every drop of fuel is optimized during the refueling process. eHandshake allows us to collect accurate fueling data and ensure that the aircraft has the optimal amount of fuel for its journey."
Do you have any experience in aviation fuel management? How much of a game-changer will this be at Manchester Airport? Let us know your insights in the comments.