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How flying in a geese formation could save carbon emissions<br>Geese in a V-shaped formation

by Kami White

13 May 2026

Virgin Atlantic and other aviation collaborators are looking to the skies, and to nature, for inspiration on how to cut emissions.<br>The trial with Airbus and a number of other airlines, including Delta Airlines and Air France, tested the concept of “wake energy retrieval”, where aircraft fly in carefully coordinated formations to benefit from reduced drag and improved fuel efficiency. Early modelling suggested fuel savings of up to 5% could be possible on long-haul routes.<br>The concept takes inspiration from migrating geese, unlocking energy efficiencies by allowing trailing aircraft to ride the uplift created by those ahead. It’s a simple idea, but a radical rethink of how planes could fly.<br>Virgin Atlantic is already demonstrating what’s possible with today’s technology. According to Cirium’s 2025 global emissions rankings, the airline was named the most efficient transatlantic carrier and ranked seventh globally, achieving emissions of around 54.5g of CO₂ per available seat kilometre.<br>Virgin Atlantic

It’s an impressive result for a long-haul airline, where emissions are typically harder to reduce. The ranking reflects Virgin Atlantic’s focus on fleet transformation and operational efficiency, with one of the youngest widebody fleets in the sky.<br>More broadly, the results highlight a shift across the industry: while short-haul low-cost carriers still dominate the very top of the rankings, long-haul airlines like Virgin Atlantic are rapidly closing the gap through newer aircraft and smarter operations.<br>This will only be propelled by cross-industry collaboration - whether it’s driving forward Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or wake energy retrieval. Working together, instead of competing, is the most effective way to reduce carbon emissions in the industries.<br>Watch this space.

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