Airbus’s ‘GEESE’ Project: How Wake Energy Retrieval Could Revolutionize Flight Efficiency
Last year marked a significant step forward in the quest for more sustainable air travel. Airbus, in collaboration with major airlines and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), completed a new phase of trials for the SESAR Joint Undertaking (JU) GEESE project. This initiative, launched in 2023, aims to unlock the potential of Wake Energy Retrieval (WER) across Europe.
The Science Behind Wake Energy Retrieval
WER leverages the aerodynamic principles behind migrating geese, who instinctively fly in formation to conserve energy. Specifically, the trailing aircraft in a pair benefits from the uplift generated by the vortices created by the leading aircraft’s wings. This reduces the thrust required from the follower’s engines, leading to potential fuel savings. Airbus previously explored this concept with its “fello’fly” project, which was later adopted by Europe’s SESAR initiative.
Recent Trial Results: A Crucial First Step
Between September and October 2025, Airbus led trials using A350 aircraft from Air France, Delta Airlines, French bee, and Virgin Atlantic. Operations partners included AirNav Ireland, DSNA, EUROCONTROL, and NATS. The team successfully achieved eight pairings (out of 11 attempted) over the North Atlantic. These trials focused on validating the operational process for guiding two independent commercial flights to meet at a precise time and place, maintaining safety and complying with air traffic regulations.
While the actual wake energy retrieval flights – where aircraft fly close enough to benefit from the wake – haven’t yet been conducted, the successful rendezvous pairing process is a vital precursor. 75% of the trials successfully reached the designated rendezvous point on time. The trials demonstrated the ability to bring aircraft departing from different locations and at different times to a single point, simulating a pairing.
Had the six successful rendezvous pairings included the cruise phase utilizing WER, the potential fuel saving would have been 12 tonnes – equivalent to the fuel needed for a flight from Toulouse to Madrid.
The Four-Step Pairing Process
The trials validated a four-step process designed to minimize disruption to the existing Air Traffic Management (ATM) ecosystem:
- Digital Coordination: Airbus’ Pairing Assistance Tool (PAT) calculates new flight paths and meeting instructions in real-time.
- Operational Assessment: Airline dispatchers, pilots, and Air Traffic Control review the proposed routes for operational viability.
- Route Adjustment: The ‘follower’ aircraft alters its route to join the leader, utilizing the Flight Management System (FMS).
- The Handshake: Future phases will involve engaging WER functions at the rendezvous point to reduce fuel consumption.
The PAT, developed by Airbus, provides a centralized interface accessible to airlines, OCCs, and ATC actors. Importantly, these trials didn’t require any physical modifications to the aircraft, leveraging existing onboard technology like the standard Flight Management System (FMS) and autopilot.
Looking Ahead: GEESE 2 and Beyond
The success of the initial trials has paved the way for “GEESE 2,” with two primary objectives: further integrating WER into the ATM ecosystem and expanding feasibility demonstrations to new airlines, airspaces, and traffic flows. GEESE 2 will also focus on refining flight crew procedures for WER operations, while maintaining current aircraft separation standards.
The PAT will undergo further testing within the ATM ecosystem to ensure seamless implementation when WER is certified. New participants in GEESE 2 include NavCanada, Lufthansa, SWISS, and Thales, joining the original partners: Airbus, NATS, DSNA, EUROCONTROL, AirNav Ireland, INDRA, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, and French Bee.
Airbus’s fello’fly Project: Maturing the Technology
Concurrently, Airbus’ fello’fly project is focused on maturing the aircraft technology needed for safe and smooth paired flight. Later this year, Airbus pilots and engineers will conduct test flights to evaluate an industrial solution compatible with existing customer aircraft equipment. These flights will also gather additional data on vortex aerodynamics and explore closer formation flying with Airbus’ own flight test aircraft.
FAQ
What is Wake Energy Retrieval?
WER is a technique where an aircraft flies in formation behind another, benefiting from the uplift created by the leading aircraft’s wingtip vortices, reducing fuel consumption.
What is the GEESE project?
GEESE (Gain Environmental Efficiency by Saving Energy) is a European Union-funded initiative led by Airbus to map out how to enable and scale WER operations across Europe.
How much fuel can WER save?
WER has the potential to save up to 5% on long-haul flights.
What aircraft were used in the trials?
Airbus A350 aircraft from Air France, Delta Airlines, French bee, and Virgin Atlantic were used in the initial trials.
Is this technology ready for commercial leverage?
The initial trials focused on the rendezvous process. Further development and testing are needed before WER can be implemented for commercial flights.
Did you know? The concept of WER is inspired by the efficient V-formation flying of wild geese, demonstrating nature’s inherent optimization of energy use.
Pro Tip: Staying informed about initiatives like GEESE is crucial for aviation professionals seeking to understand the future of sustainable flight.
Want to learn more about sustainable aviation technologies? Explore our articles on alternative jet fuels and electric aircraft.
