3.2.5.4.4. Potable water upload reduction............................................................................... 46

3.2.5.4.5. Waste Tank Emptying ............................................................................................. 46

3.2.5.4.6. Other initiatives ....................................................................................................... 47

4. Summary and Conclusions .........................................................................48

4.1. Appendices ......................................................................................... 49

4.1.1. Conversion Factors ............................................................................. 49

4.1.2. Abbreviations ..................................................................................... 49

Dear Operator,
We have all seen the price of jet fuel climb significantly in recent times. In reaction to this, many Airlines have reviewed and revised certain procedures in an effort to minimize the impact of this phenomenon on their operations.
In support of this, there is a multitude of information published by both the Aircraft Manufacturers and Industry bodies describing the mechanisms by which fuel can be economized.
This document represents the latest contribution from Airbus. The document has been designed to provide a holistic view of the subject from the manufacturers’ perspective. To produce the document, we have brought together specialists from the fields of aircraft performance, aerodynamics and engine and airframe engineering, and integrated their inputs that are born out of their wide experience with in-service aircraft. The aim is to share best practices by providing you with a guide to selected initiatives that can reduce both the fuel bill and the operating cost of your A320 Family aircraft. You will find brief discussions of the various initiatives that highlight both their pros and cons.
We wish to express our thanks to those within and outside Airbus who have contributed to this brochure.
Should you need further information you will find contact details adjacent to each of topics covered by this brochure.
Best regards,

Antoine Vieillard  Christian Monteil 
Vice President A320 Family Programme  Vice President Flight Operations 
Customer Services  Support and Services 

1. INTRODUCTION

Elementary physics tell us that for an aircraft to fly it must generate lift to overcome its weight. Generating lift produces drag, (as does the movement of the airframe through the air).  The engines generate the thrust necessary to overcome the drag.  The greater the thrust required the more fuel is burnt. This document discusses methods of minimizing that fuel burn.
Figure 1-1 Elementary forces on an airframe