EVENDALE, OH -- GOL Airlines has signed an OnPointSM Fuel & Carbon Services agreement with GE Aviation, making the airline the launch customer for the new program. Using proprietary decision software and fuel consulting expertise, GE Aviation will work with GOL to identify and track operational improvements that could reduce the airline's fuel spend by up to five percent.
"GE is excited to be working with GOL Airlines as our launch customer for our new fuel consultation program. GOL is recognized as an airline focused on high-quality, low-cost operations, so we look forward to the challenge of working with them to identify additional opportunities to further improve its fleet's efficiency," said Tom Gentile, President & Chief Executive Officer of GE Aviation Services. "GE invests more than $1 billion in technology each year to ensure we are delivering the most fuel-efficient engines and systems to our customers, but we are also continuously looking for ways to enhance fuel efficiency advantages for customers on their existing products. We are now offering an integrated consultative service to help customers prioritize projects and ensure effective operations."
Together with GOL, GE will deliver solutions through:
- Operational evaluation - Identify and collect data on the airline's current fuel and carbon reduction programs, and quantify where the customer is today.
- Customized solution design - Further analyze the data to isolate and prioritize potential improvements.
- Implementation support and verification - Work together to implement changes, and then measure and validate savings.
"Fuel saving is critical to the future of aviation. As well as the cost management benefits, fuel reduction enables us to move forward on our commitment to environment- friendly operations, reducing carbon emissions," stated Captain Fernando Rockert de Magalhaes, GOL's Technical Vice President. "Through the new offering, GOL will introduce a brand new state-of-the-art system with unique metrics and analysis capabilities to provide more fuel efficiency. The initiative reinforces some of our business principles: continuous investments on technology, operational efficiency and dedication to sustainability."
Fuel typically accounts for about 30 percent of an airline's expenses. With volatility in fuel prices over the last two years, airlines are looking for ways to manage this major portion of their cost base more effectively. GE has continued to enhance capabilities in fuel management solutions, recently acquiring BMB Fuel Inc., a fuel consulting service company.
GOL Airlines, listed in the NYSE and BOVESPA, was founded by the Constantino family who has been in the transportation business for over 50 years initially in the coach segment and has the mission to transport and approach people in a simple and smart way. The airline started flying in January 2001 with one aim, to make flying affordable for most Brazilians. GOL's latest-generation Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 are up to 12 percent faster than similar planes. With advanced technology, a standardized fleet of aircraft, and a highly motivated team, GOL sets the highest standards to be recognized as the company that popularized high quality, low-cost air travel in Latin America.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.
SMOnPoint is a service mark of General Electric Company.