Cost-Based Flight Optimisation
Flight optimisation isn’t just about shaving off minutes — it’s about making strategic decisions that balance cost, time, environmental impact, and operational constraints.
​
At FLIGHTKEYS, we are constantly improving our Cost-Based Flight Optimisation methods that allow operators to:
Save fuel
Minimise delays
​Account for non-CO₂ impacts like contrail formation
Our approach integrates multiple data sources and parameters into flight planning tools to generate the most cost-efficient trajectories, tailored to each operator’s priorities. Whether it’s reducing time over congested zones or avoiding contrail-prone altitudes, Cost-Based Flight Optimisation helps airlines make smarter, more informed choices.
Follow-up Points and Information
Data Integration
The system consolidates information from multiple streams (meteorological forecasts, NOTAMs, airspace availability, ATC flow constraints, aircraft performance data) to deliver a holistic operational picture.
Operational Resilience
​Adaptive routing in response to sudden weather shifts or ATC restrictions reduces the likelihood of diversions, holding, and associated costs.
Customisable Priorities
Operators can adjust optimisation parameters based on business models or mission profiles — e.g., prioritising cost minimisation for cargo flights, punctuality for passenger airlines, or sustainability targets for carriers with emissions-reduction commitments.
Future-Proofing
As regulatory environments evolve (e.g., SAF blending mandates, EU ETS, CORSIA), integrating environmental cost functions into optimisation will allow operators to stay compliant while maintaining competitiveness.
Economic Benefits
​Cost-Based Flight Optimisation reduces unnecessary fuel consumption, which can account for up to 30% of airline operating costs, directly improving profitability.
Technology Synergy
​Combining Cost-Based Flight Optimisation with advanced ATM concepts (such as SESAR initiatives and trajectory-based operations) enhances interoperability and unlocks system-wide efficiency gains.
Environmental Benefits
​By avoiding contrail formation and optimising altitudes, airlines contribute to lower non-CO₂ climate impacts while meeting emerging Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) requirements under EU and ICAO frameworks.