How airlines are shaving minutes off flight times to save millions

Key Points

• Smart Gating Technology Implementation: American Airlines introduced Smart Gating technology at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, streamlining the flight-gating process and reducing the time planes spend taxiing. The technology has led to a 20% reduction in taxi time, a 50% decrease in gate changes and conflicts, and an average daily time saving of about 11 hours.
• Expansion and Fuel Savings: The success of the Smart Gating program at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has prompted American Airlines to expand its use to other major airports, such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Miami International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The implementation has contributed to a more efficient use of fuel, saving the airline approximately 1.4 million gallons annually, equivalent to around $4 million based on current fuel prices.
• Industry-Wide Efforts for Time Savings: Major airlines, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, are implementing various strategies to save minutes in their operations. United Airlines introduced a new boarding procedure for economy class, potentially saving up to two minutes per flight. Southwest Airlines experimented with different methods to expedite boarding, while Frontier Airlines aims to speed up boarding and deplaning through pathways outside jet bridges, potentially saving as much as 10 minutes off the turn time. These time-saving measures contribute to lower costs and more efficient airline operations.