Airbus’ Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) has been developed and deployed across Delta Air Lines’ Airbus fleet, enabling improved fuel efficiency, cost savings, and operational performance for 270 aircraft, including the A319, A320, A321, and A330 families.
This represents the largest retrofit of this solution across a mixed fleet of Airbus aircraft to date and expands DPO’s market success in North America and worldwide. Provided by Airbus as part of its fuel efficiency solutions portfolio, DPO enhances aircraft descent by enabling optimized vertical flight profiles, significantly reducing fuel consumption during the airport approach phase.
The deployment has been carried out over the past 24 months and includes aircraft that were not originally configured for the solution. Airbus and Delta worked together to expand DPO applicability, using operational data to enable additional aircraft types to benefit from the upgrade.
Dominik Wacht, Airbus Vice President of Customer Services North America, stated:
“This collaboration with Delta demonstrates what is possible when we work closely with our customers. By tailoring Descent Profile Optimisation to work across Delta Air Lines’ entire Airbus fleet, we have delivered smarter performance that aligns with our customers’ fuel efficiency goals while supporting the broader business objectives that drive their success.”
For Delta Air Lines, the implementation supports its continued focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and fleet harmonisation.
Kristen DBojko, Delta Vice President of Fleet, added:
“At Delta, we are focused on fleet performance across every phase of flight. Implementing DPO across most of our Airbus fleet is a significant upgrade — it allows us to operate more efficiently, reduce fuel consumption, and maintain a high standard of operations. This collaboration with Airbus reflects the kind of thoughtful, data-driven approach that supports both operational excellence and long-term performance.”
The milestone also highlights the growing demand for solutions that help airlines improve fuel efficiency, extend the value of in-service aircraft, and align performance across fleets.
