Airbus is testing aircraft technology from birds: The fuel savings are significant

The aviation industry is looking for ways to reduce emissions without waiting for entirely new types of aircraft or a complete overhaul of the entire infrastructure.

These are often small improvements that can be quickly scaled up if they fit into the rules and routines that already govern air traffic.

Airbus has been working for several years to optimize the way aircraft move.

The inspiration comes from migratory birds that utilize air currents when they fly in flocks.

It sounds simple, but in practice it requires extreme precision and a setup that works with air traffic control, safety requirements and fixed procedures.

Formations across the Atlantic

The project is called Fello’fly, and the idea is based on formation flying with two airliners.

The aircraft in front creates air currents that the aircraft behind can utilize.

The effect is called wake energy recovery, and the principle is that the rear aircraft can “ride” on the buoyancy created in the wake of the front aircraft.

In the fall of 2025, eight test flights were carried out over the North Atlantic, and according to DenOffentlige.dk, Airbus conducted the trials together with Air France, Delta Air Lines, French Bee and Virgin Atlantic.

The aim was not to introduce the technology into regular operations overnight.

The focus was on proving that two aircraft can be coordinated to a precise rendezvous point and that the flight can be conducted in full compliance with safety rules and vertical separation requirements.

Small percentages in a fast-growing industry

It’s only when the operational part works that the actual gain becomes interesting.

Airbus estimates that the method can eventually provide fuel savings of up to five percent on long-haul flights.

In an industry with tight margins and large fuel volumes, five percent can make a difference, even if it doesn’t change everything.

Because the pressure on aviation is not just about efficiency improvements in the air.

Sustainable aviation fuel is higher on the agenda, but prices are high and deliveries of new aircraft are limited, while demand for travel continues to rise.

Forecasts point to around eight billion passengers in 2040, up from 4.5 billion in 2019.

Airbus also expects the global aircraft fleet to double over the next two decades, requiring more than 42,000 new aircraft by 2043.

At the same time, Transport & Environment estimates that even with more sustainable fuels, fossil aviation fuel consumption could still be at the same level as today by 2050.

Therefore, a solution such as formation flying may end up being one of the measures that makes a concrete contribution, while the heavier transitions take longer.