JetBlue Uses NextGen Systems to Reduce Carbon Emissions
As featured in JetBlue’s 2018 Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Report
NextGen is the FAA’s ongoing navigation system upgrade, which includes a switch from traditional ground-based to satellite-enabled navigation. This combination of FAA- and airline-specific technology allows flights to be given more efficient and uniquely optimized routes anywhere in the National Airspace System. NextGen makes this possible during all stages of the flight: departure, cruising altitude, approach, and arrival operations. The FAA anticipates that the fully completed system will save 16 million metric tons of CO2 e emissions annually.
JetBlue has invested earlier and more heavily than some airlines and is already capturing benefits. NextGen benefits lead to lower JetBlue fuel usage and carbon emissions. As climate change leads to more frequent and more intense weather events, we expect benefits to increase.
NextGen’s custom guidance for each flight leads to possible increased efficiencies for JetBlue, including:
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Reduces predeparture taxi time
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Reduces flight mileage at takeoff and during the flight due to modified routes based on real-
time weather data
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Avoids circling before landing and allows for fuel saving-managed descent by assigning a spot
in the landing queue hundreds of miles before the aircraft lands
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Reduces taxi-in time because the pilot has gate and taxi information ahead of time
Learn more about JetBlue's commitment to create industry-leading environmental social governance (ESG) strategies, programs, and disclosure reports in our 2018 Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Report
