easyJet has become the first airline globally to trial an innovative lightweight paint, developed in collaboration with Mankiewicz Aviation Coatings, aimed at reducing fuel consumption.
The new system uses less paint to create the iconic easyJet livery, reducing the coating weight by 27 kg per aircraft. The solution has already been applied to 38 aircraft and will be gradually rolled out across the entire fleet, with completion targeted by 2030.
While the weight reduction per aircraft is modest, when combined with other fuel-saving measures and applied fleet-wide, it is projected to save 1,296 tonnes of fuel annually, equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 4,095 tonnes.
The initiative forms part of easyJet's broader sustainability strategy and commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. Since launching its net-zero roadmap two years ago, the airline has implemented several decarbonisation efforts, including completing the fleet-wide installation of descent profile optimisation (DPO) software. It also reported a record improvement in carbon intensity in FY24 compared to its baseline year of 2019.
This lightweight paint innovation underscores easyJet's ongoing dedication to reducing emissions and supporting sustainable aviation.