Press release:
Norwegian and MSG Aviation sign letter of intent:
Lower emissions and costs through automated washing and de-icing of aircraft
Oslo 16th august 2021: Norwegian has entered into agreement with MSG Aviation to use a more climate friendly solution for washing, de-icing and inspection of aircraft. The dialogue between the two parties has been ongoing since the construction of MSG’s test facility.
Norwegian aims to be a leader in moving towards a more sustainable and climate friendly aviation industry. The company wants to be consumers’ first choice by reusing and recycling plastic waste and continue to promote sustainable fuel solutions whilst maintaining Europe’s youngest fleet. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 45 percent by 2030. This is in line with the 1.5° C target in the Paris Agreement.
MSG Aviation offers greener and smarter solutions for washing, de-icing and technical inspection of aircraft. Norwegian has been in dialogue with MSG since 2016 and has been the first of the major airlines to sign a letter of intent with the company. The solution is one of many key measures Norwegian is taking to reduce emissions.
“We do whatever we can to ensure that our travellers get the best possible service, including offering as low climate impact as possible. To us, MSG’s solution is an initiative that can help reduce our carbon footprint in a profitable way, and that fits well with other solutions we are already using to operate as efficiently as possible. MSG’s automated solution for washing, de-icing and inspecting of aircraft can make us even more efficient, punctual and can help us reduce our overall costs” said Henrik Fjeld, SVP Ground and Technical at Norwegian.
Expects operation from 2022
The automated facility is now ready to launch, following a few years of research, development and testing of the prototype at Geiteryggen Airport in Skien. The solution has been developed with funds from the EU and Innovation Norway, among others.
Today, it takes a long time to remove ice and snow of planes manually before departure. This often leads to significant delays on snowy days. Such delays will be reduced with the new, automated solution. In addition, the fuel consumption is lower, and the amount of the de-icing fluid that is collected is higher, which increases the possibility of reuse.
MSG is now in dialogue with Oslo Airport to make preliminary plans for a facility that may be ready for operation 2022. Norwegian will use this facility primarily.
“Norwegian is Scandinavia’s second largest airline and therefore an important customer for us. The agreement is important to us, commercially, and is good news for the globe as it contributes to reducing emissions. We have the whole world as a catchment area and believe this agreement will catch the attention of other future customers”, said CEO Geir Steiro of MSG Aviation.
He adds that not only commercial airlines, but also airports, cargo airlines and military aviation are potential customers.
Reduced time and emissions lead to lower costs
More frequent and customised aircraft washing contributes to less air resistance and thus better fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. The washing also causes less wear on the aircraft, which in turn leads to lower maintenance costs. MSG Aviation also has a solution for engine washing that is important for the engines’ thermal power and performance. Overall, this can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to two percent.
The letter of intent also includes a common goal that Norwegian will also be able to use MSG Aviation’s solution for technical inspection of the aircraft while they are being washed. This is done by scanning the aircraft. The digital process is accurate and timesaving.