Initiatives in Aircraft Flight Operations

• 1.During Maintenance
• 2.Creation of Flight Plans
• 3.While parking Aircraft
• 4.Takeoff
• 5.During Climb
• 6.During Cruise
• 7.During Descend
• 8.Landing
• 9.Postflight

In addition to climbing with early acceleration and flap retraction during climb, reducing thrust reverser usage after landing, single-engine taxiing-in, fuel-efficient speeds, and other measures to date, in FY2024, we began visualizing CO2 emissions savings by shortening flight paths in cooperation with air transportation authorities as part of new fuel-saving activities.Through wide-ranging measures that include new initiatives, appropriate day-to-day weight management, and the use of ground power units and ground pre-conditioned air units, we reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 125,000 tons.

1.During Maintenance

Water Cleaning Engines / Test Operations

The ANA Group has developed a unique vehicle for cleaning engine compressor parts. Engine compressor parts become dirty with each use, reducing fuel efficiency. Regular cleaning restores full engine function.
We have also revised test operations and introduced other efficiencies, saving 1% on annual fuel usage in test operations.

For more details, click hereOpens in a new window.In the case of an external site,it may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Reduction of Aircraft Weight

A lighter aircraft can fly on less fuel and reduce CO2 emissions. The ANA Group is working to optimize the amount of water supplied to aircraft and reduce the weight of onboard equipment.
For example, we are digitizing "TSUBASA -GLOBAL WINGS-" (in-flight magazine), changing the paper quality and reducing the number of pages for "Sky Shop"(shopping catalog), reviewing the amount of equipment, such as tableware and drinks, and removing the excess amount.
In addition, by digitizing manuals for both pilots and cabin crew, we were able to reduce the weight by 70%.

2.Creation of Flight Plans

Selection of Optimum Altitudes, Speed and Routes

Generally, fuel efficiency improves at higher altitudes due to lower air density, whereas excessive speed tends to increase fuel consumption. Because optimal conditions and routes fluctuate daily based on weather, pilots and dispatchers collaborate on every flight to select the most efficient altitude, speed, and flight path. For pilots operating multiple legs a day - such as on domestic routes - updated flight data is sent directly to their iPads between flights, allowing them to adjust and refine their flight plans using the latest real-time information.

3.While Parking Aircraft

Reducing the Time of Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Usage

In addition to the wing-mounted engines, aircrafts are equipped with an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) located in the tail. The APU provides the compressed air necessary for engine starts and cabin air conditioning, as well as the electrical power required while the aircraft is on the ground. However, because the APU burns jet fuel and generates CO2, we prioritize the use of Ground Power Units (GPUs). By connecting to these external ground-based sources for electricity and air conditioning while parked, we can significantly reduce APU runtime and lower our overall carbon emissions.

4.Takeoff

Reduced Flaps at Takeoff

Flaps are high-lift devices used to increase the wing's surface area and curvature during takeoff. While a higher flap setting allows an aircraft to lift off from shorter runways, it also generates significant aerodynamic drag, requiring higher thrust and increased fuel consumption to climb or accelerate. In contrast, when taking off from longer runways, pilots can use a "Reduced Flap" setting. This minimizes drag and fuel burn, leading to a more efficient ascent and a reduction in overall CO2 emissions.

5.During Climb

Climb with Early Acceleration

Climbing with acceleration at lower altitude after takeoff, retracting the flaps and reaching cruise altitude as soon as possible, enables to reduce fuel consumption.

6.During Cruise

Reviewing Flight Paths during Flight Using the Latest Weather Information

In addition to creating a flight plan, the ANA Group checks weather information again after takeoff, and changes flight routes depending on the situation. This is called DARP (Dynamic Airborne Reroute Procedure).
This allows for more optimal fuel planning and flight routes, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.

7.During Descent

Promoting an Energy-Efficient Descent Method

Continuous Descent Operation allows an aircraft to maintain a steady, uninterrupted glide from the start of its descent until the final approach point. Unlike traditional arrivals that involve 'step-down' segments with periods of level flight, Continuous Descent Operation minimizes engine thrust and reduces flight distance. This approach significantly lowers fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and noise pollution. The ANA Group initially implemented this method for late-night and early-morning flights at Kansai International Airport and is currently collaborating with relevant authorities to expand its use to other airports.

8.Landing

Minimizing Thrust Reverser Usage

After touchdown, aircrafts utilize a combination of wheel brakes and thrust reversers to decelerate. While thrust reversers redirect engine airflow to slow the aircraft quickly, they require an increase in engine RPM, which consumes additional fuel. When runway length and safety conditions permit, pilots use "Idle Reverse" (lowering engine power during reversal). This practice reduces fuel burn, lowers CO2 emissions, and significantly minimizes noise pollution around the airport.

9.Postflight

As a postflight procedure, the ground staff reviews and analyzes the flight data, and utilizes it for daily operations as well as for reducing environmental impact.

Introduction of Fuel-Efficient Aircrafts and Engines

As the global launch customer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, we celebrated a decade of its fuel-efficient service in 2021. As of June 2025, the ANA Group operates a fleet of 86 Dreamliners (across the -8, -9, and -10 variants) and continues to integrate state-of-the-art aircraft like the Airbus A320neo and A321neo. By the end of March 2025, fuel-efficient models will account for 82.7% of our jet fleet.

Looking ahead, we have finalized a purchase agreement for the Boeing 737-8, with deliveries scheduled for FY2026 and beyond. Our goal is to expand our Boeing 787 fleet to over 100 aircraft by FY2030 as part of our commitment to rapid fleet renewal. Furthermore, we are conducting a demonstration project to apply a "shark-skin" (riblet) filmOpens in a new window.In the case of an external site,it may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. to aircraft surfaces. This specialized finish reduces friction during flight, further driving down fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

ANA Celebrates Boeing 787's 10th Anniversary with Special Commemorative Flights Opens in a new window.In the case of an external site,it may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Equipping Aircraft with Winglets

Winglets are specialized aerodynamic devices fitted to the tips of an aircraft's main wings to reduce drag during flight. By installing winglets on our Boeing 767-300ERs - primarily used for long-haul routes - we have improved fuel efficiency by approximately 5%, resulting in an annual reduction of 2,100 tons of CO2 per aircraft. In 2010, the ANA Group became the first Japanese airline to equip a Boeing 767-300ER with winglets, and we have since completed a fleet-wide rollout for all B767-300ER aircraft.

Implementation of Next-Generation Paint Systems

We are adopting an advanced, next-generation paint system that provides superior durability and weather resistance compared to traditional coatings. This system is formulated with low volatile organic compounds and results in a lighter overall aircraft weight, further contributing to our efficiency goals.

Reducing the Weight of Cabin Seats

In a strategic partnership with Toyota Boshoku Corporation, the ANA Group developed a new standard of seats for domestic routes. By merging our operational expertise as an airline with Toyota Boshoku’s decades of automotive seating craftsmanship, we created a product that balances our technical requirements with a premium passenger experience. These seats align with our philosophy for passengers to have a lasting impression, while achieving a weight reduction of 195 kilograms per aircraft compared to previous models. This innovation alone saves approximately 15 kiloliters of fuel per aircraft annually - all without compromising passenger comfort.

ICAO Landing and Take-Off Cycle

The ICAO Landing and Take-Off (LTO) cycle defines the flight phases from take-off up to an altitude of 3,000 feet, and conversely, from 3,000 feet down to landing. Engine emissions are strictly measured within this specific operational window. The certification process evaluates engine performance based on standardized thrust output settings and specific durations of operation for each phase of the cycle.

Output Conditions	Rated Output (%)	Operating Time (Minutes)
Take-Off	100	0.7
Ascending	85	2.2
Descending	30	4.0
Ground Taxiing	7	26.0

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

ANA has been dispatching staff members to the Delegation of Japan to ICAO in the past, and has continued to send one staff member since 2020.
Additionally, as an advisor to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which is a member of the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) of ICAO, in which various governments, industry organizations, and academia also participate, ANA participates in the working groups of CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to provide advice and recommendations as an industry representative.
ICAO CAEP HP Opens in a new window.In the case of an external site,it may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.
In addition to ICAO's current CORSIA for international aviation by 2035, the ICAO General Assembly in 2022 agreed to a long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) for the international aviation sector of net zero emissions by 2050.
LTAG Opens in a new window.In the case of an external site,it may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.

IATA (International Air Transport Association)

ANA's president is currently selected as a member of the Board of Governors (BOG) and its suborganization advisory committees for the environment and cargo.
ANA has been elected as a member of the Sustainability and Environment Advisory Council (SEAC), an environmental advisory committee, for 7 consecutive years. We discuss environmental problems and issues at regular meetings held twice a year and at regularly held teleconferences. We also provide advice to the Board of Directors and other organizations to resolve issues that will likely arise in the airline industry.

ATAG (Air Transport Action Group)

ATAG is a non-profit organization that brings together stakeholders and experts in the air transportation sector value chain to lead the industry toward net zero emissions in air transportation by 2050 (Waypoint 2050). ANA supports the activities of ATAG through IATA, an ATAG member.
To view the "Young aviation professionals on flying net zero" video that ANA helped produce, please click here Opens in a new window.In the case of an external site,it may or may not meet accessibility guidelines..

AAPA (Association of Asia Pacific Airlines)

As a member of the AAPA, an industry group consisting of 18 Asian airlines, ANA participates in the Environment Committee, which is a suborganization committee, and holds regular meetings and teleconferences twice a year to discuss various issues that have an impact on the environment and works to resolve these issues.

Star Alliance

We are a board member of the Star Alliance and a member of the Star Alliance Sustainability VEC where we discuss environmental issues and consult on matters that need addressing as a member of the Alliance.