Fuel Conservation Presentations

Most of Mike Irrgang’s work in this area was done under client confidentiality agreements. Here is a selection of presentations which do not have that restriction, and can be shared publicly. Note the most recent presentation from May, 2025. This presentation touches on various of the issues which are covered in Airopsol’s service offerings:

Common Misconceptions in Airline Fuel Planning: Efficiency Gaps and Solutions

This 2025 presentation by Mike Irrgang challenges common misconceptions in airline fuel planning, highlighting how outdated rules and errors in weight estimation contribute to inefficient fuel use. The presentation discusses historical flight planning systems, the role of weight miscalculations, and how outdated contingency fuel practices from the 1940s still affect modern operations. It presents a case study on the missing MH370 flight to emphasize the consequences of inaccurate fuel and weight estimates. The presentation advocates for better data analysis, including test flights, and adjustments to current flight planning methods to improve fuel efficiency by 2-3%.

Aircraft Weight Error: Operational and Financial Impacts of Planned vs. Real Values

Presented at AGIFORS 2015, this Boeing analysis by Michael Irrgang reveals the hidden costs and consequences of inaccurate aircraft weight planning—particularly Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW). The study highlights that even small discrepancies, such as underestimating passenger or baggage weights, can lead to inefficient altitude profiles, extra fuel burn, and growing pilot mistrust in flight plans. With excess arrival fuel linked to over $200 million in potential industry savings, the paper emphasizes the need for accurate load data, better fuel planning, and routine weight audits to reduce fuel variances and restore operational confidence.

AeroMéxico’s Fuel Efficiency Transformation: A Boeing Case Study

This 2015 case study details AeroMéxico’s successful collaboration with Boeing fuel consultant Michael Irrgang to reduce excess arrival fuel and improve operational efficiency. Following a detailed assessment, the project identified over $16 million in potential savings, with arrival fuel as the largest opportunity. By redefining alternate airport strategies, building pilot-dispatch trust, and implementing a data-driven arrival fuel policy, AeroMéxico cut average arrival fuel by 1,000 kg per flight and reduced fuel consumption by 1.5%, saving $7 million annually. The initiative exemplifies how cultural change, targeted analytics, and strong partnerships can yield significant financial and environmental gains.

A New Approach to Fuel Analysis and Reporting: Precision, Trust, and Optimization

Presented at AGIFORS 2014, this Boeing study introduces an advanced methodology for analyzing airline fuel performance beyond traditional KPIs. With fuel costs comprising up to 35% of operating expenses, the paper stresses the need for more granular, aircraft-specific analytics. It highlights the hidden inefficiencies in flight planning—such as inflated buffers, inaccurate arrival fuel targets, and pilot-added reserves—and presents a data-driven system for optimizing every phase of flight. By benchmarking against ideal performance and reducing planned vs. actual weight variances, the proposed framework can save millions annually. It also emphasizes cultural change and crew trust through feedback and performance transparency.
This presentation won the conference award for “best presentation”.

The State of Airline Fuel Conservation: Strategies, Savings & Systems

Presented by Boeing at AGIFORS 2011, this report offers an in-depth analysis of fuel conservation in the airline industry, highlighting that fuel can represent up to 30% of airline operating costs. It explores how fuel savings differ from carbon or financial savings, and reviews the roles of aircraft design, maintenance, pilot behavior, dispatch planning, and operational monitoring. Key recommendations include reducing unnecessary onboard weight, optimizing flight procedures, maintaining accurate passenger and aircraft weights, and tracking variances between planned and actual fuel use. The study stresses the importance of data-driven decision-making and proposes destination-specific arrival fuel standards as a major future efficiency gain.

Data Requirements for Effective Fuel Conservation: A Holistic Approach to Airline Efficiency

Presented in 2005, this presentation by Michael E. Irrgang explores how airlines can significantly reduce fuel costs—now a major portion of their budgets—through better data management and operational control. Key factors influencing fuel consumption include excess weight, inefficient flight procedures, poor fuel purchasing practices, and excessive fuel carried during arrival. The presentation highlights the importance of accurate data collection across multiple systems (DCS, flight planning, ACARS, maintenance, and weather data) to pinpoint inefficiencies, track trends, and optimize fuel consumption. By analyzing actual versus planned data, airlines can target areas for fuel savings, such as reducing arrival fuel burn, optimizing aircraft performance, and using fuel more efficiently during ground operations and flight procedures.

Optimizing Fuel and Payload: Lan Chile’s Combi Operations Strategy

This 1999 presentation by Michael E. Irrgang at AGIFORS details Lan Chile’s innovative approach to optimizing fuel, cargo, and passenger payloads on long-haul flights. Using the B-767-300ER as an example, Lan Chile’s combi operations—where both passengers and cargo share the same flight—enabled the airline to increase payload significantly. The presentation highlights how proper weight management, fuel monitoring, and effective coordination can maximize revenue and reduce inefficiencies. Lan Chile’s strategy resulted in cutting block fuel by 2,000 pounds, improving aircraft utilization, and eliminating payload gaps, ultimately achieving over 4 tonnes in fuel and payload optimization gains.

Optimizing Ramp Arrival Fuel (RAF): A Strategic Approach to Fuel Efficiency

This 1992 presentation outlines American Airlines’ development and implementation of a Ramp Arrival Fuel (RAF) plan designed to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption during arrival procedures. The goal was to minimize the excess fuel carried by aircraft by calculating more precise, destination-specific RAF based on weather patterns, delay histories, and emergency requirements. The plan aimed to reduce fuel wastage, increase payload capacity, and achieve operational savings. Key strategies include using closer alternates and adjusting hold times based on real-time weather conditions. This approach successfully reduced RAF by up to 22 minutes, resulting in significant fuel cost savings and a more efficient operational model.

+6281 2345 1234

+1 713-858-4166

Common Misconceptions in Airline Fuel Planning: Efficiency Gaps and Solutions

Aircraft Weight Error: Operational and Financial Impacts of Planned vs. Real Values

AeroMéxico’s Fuel Efficiency Transformation: A Boeing Case Study

A New Approach to Fuel Analysis and Reporting: Precision, Trust, and Optimization

The State of Airline Fuel Conservation: Strategies, Savings & Systems

Data Requirements for Effective Fuel Conservation: A Holistic Approach to Airline Efficiency

Optimizing Fuel and Payload: Lan Chile’s Combi Operations Strategy

Optimizing Ramp Arrival Fuel (RAF): A Strategic Approach to Fuel Efficiency

Give Us A Call

School Location

Send Us A Message

Opening Hours

Quick Links

Useful Links

Newsletter