ITA Airways is stepping up its sustainability strategy with the deployment of an AI-based flight optimisation tool designed to reduce fuel burn and lower carbon emissions across its fleet.
The Italian flag carrier is implementing SITA OptiFlight®, a solution that calculates the most efficient climb profile for each flight by adjusting factors such as airspeed, acceleration, altitude transitions and climb Mach. The system uses predictive analytics, machine learning and 4D weather data to tailor the recommended profile to operational and environmental conditions.
According to the airline, the technology has already delivered meaningful reductions and is on track to generate more than 7,100 tonnes of fuel savings and over 22,100 tonnes of CO₂ reductions across 2025 and 2026.
SITA OptiFlight® applies tail-specific modelling to each aircraft, allowing ITA Airways to optimise performance under varying weather and operational scenarios while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Francesco Presicce, chief innovation and strategic projects/vision officer at ITA Airways, said innovative technologies are central to the airline’s long-term growth and sustainability strategy. He noted that the rollout of SITA OptiFlight® reflects the carrier’s commitment to practical and measurable tools that enhance performance while contributing to more responsible aviation.
He added that data-driven insights and artificial intelligence are enabling ITA Airways to achieve substantial fuel and emissions reductions without compromising efficiency or operational safety.
SITA for Aircraft chief executive Yann Cabaret said airlines are under growing pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining operational performance, making intelligent, data-based tools increasingly important. He described ITA’s decision to deploy the platform across its fleet as a clear example of how digital transformation can support aviation sustainability in a measurable way.
