fello’fly and GEESE

Exploring the possibilities of wake energy retrieval

fello'fly transatlantic flight test November 2021

Investigating the potential of paired flight

BIOMIMICRY IN ACTION

fello’fly and GEESE are two wake energy retrieval (WER) collaborative programmes led by Airbus. WER operations draw inspiration from the V-shaped flight pattern of migrating geese, who surf the air upwash, or updraft, of the leading bird. When applied to commercial aircraft operations, WER enables one aircraft to benefit from free lift from the air upwash of another, resulting in less engine thrust and therefore reduced fuel consumption.

fello’fly aims to define and demonstrate the technical, operational and commercial viability of two aircraft flying close together during a long-haul flight. The potential to reduce fuel consumption of commercial aircraft flying in this configuration was substantiated during the fello’fly long-haul flight test, which took place in 2021. GEESE builds upon this proof of concept and seeks to validate the operational feasibility of using WER operations for both transatlantic and inter-continental European flights.The project will run until mid-2026.

Airbus fello'fly first flight

Assessing the safety and feasibility of paired flight

fello’fly was hosted by Airbus UpNext from 2019 to 2021. It culminated with a long-haul formation flight of two A350 aircraft, which flew three kilometres apart during the journey between Toulouse, France, and Montreal, Canada. A technical solution developed by Airbus ensured that the two aircraft remained safely positioned at a steady altitude. Results showed that CO2 emissions were reduced by 6 tonnes, confirming the potential for up to 5% fuel savings on long-haul flights.

More about fello'fly
fello'fly

Taking inspiration from migrating geese

Building on the success of fello’fly, GEESE was launched in 2023 as an Airbus-led, EU-funded project that is part of the SESAR 3 joint undertaking. Its purpose is to investigate how we can enable and scale WER operations from an air traffic management perspective. The project will further analyse safety aspects of paired flight, as well as possible impacts on legacy systems, potential non-CO2 emissions reductions, and operational solutions for expanding WER operations.

More about GEESE

Collaborating across the aviation industry

Both fello’fly and GEESE were made possible due to a concentrated and sustained commitment by key aviation stakeholders to WER research.

The initial testing phase of fello’fly was supported by airline partners Frenchbee and Scandinavian airlines (SAS), as well as air traffic control partners in France, the UK, Canada and Ireland. Airbus is continuing fello’fly testing with the support of the DGAC, the French Civil Aviation Authority.

GEESE is part of the SESAR 3 joint undertaking. Led by Airbus and funded by Horizon Europe, the European Union’s scientific research initiative, the project counts a plethora of partners, including Eurocontrol, DSNA, Air France, Oro Navigacija, Indra, ENAC, DLR, AirNav Ireland, Bulatsa, CIRA, UAB, Frequentis, Boeing, French Bee, NATS, Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines.

Watch our fello'fly videos

  • fello'fly full Concept of Operations (CONOPS) video fello'fly full Concept of Operations (CONOPS) video

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    fello'fly full Concept of Operations (CONOPS) video

    The fello'fly full Concept of Operations (CONOPS) explains exactly how a fello'fly will work for airlines, air traffic and air navigation service partners.

  • fello'fly: A flight demonstrator inspired by nature fello'fly: A flight demonstrator inspired by nature

    — 00:01:03

    fello'fly: A flight demonstrator inspired by nature

    Migrating birds fly in a “V” shape to save energy – taking advantage of wake energy retrieval. Learn how fello’fly, an Airbus UpNext flight demonstrator project, is proving its technical, operational and economic viability.

  • How a fello'fly flight works? How a fello'fly flight works?

    — 00:00:43

    How a fello'fly flight works?

    Discover how the fello'fly team is solving the operational challenges of flying two aircraft close together to reap the benefits of wake energy retrieval.

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