KLM Cityhopper trials SITA OptiDescent fuel-saving technology on Amsterdam-Dublin route

KLM Cityhopper has carried out an initial trial of SITA's OptiDescent fuel-saving technology on a single round trip between Dublin and Amsterdam, and its parent carrier is weighing whether to deploy the system more widely.

KLM said it was the first airline to test the solution, running the trial on 30 September under SkyTeam's Aviation Challenge initiative. The flight was operated with an Embraer 195-E2.

The carrier described the exercise as an initial attempt to gauge OptiDescent's potential value for the regional operator, rather than the start of a large-scale fleet trial. According to KLM, the aim was to understand how the technology performs in a real operational setting and what benefits it might deliver.

OptiDescent sits within SITA's OptiFlight suite alongside OptiClimb, OptiDirect and OptiLevel. KLM has used OptiClimb since 2024. The descent tool relies on predictive modelling to propose the most fuel-efficient trajectory for each phase of flight, with engines held at or near idle for as much of the descent as operations allow, the carrier said.

KLM estimates an optimised top of descent could save roughly 15-30kg of fuel per descent. It also points to possible noise reductions from avoiding unnecessary flight at lower altitudes. SITA is still analysing the results of the 30 September flight.

With KLM Cityhopper operating more than 10,000 flights a month, the carrier said the cumulative fuel and emissions savings could become substantial.