OpenAirlines, a global leader in eco-flying software solutions, has raised nearly €45 million in its latest funding round. The investment was led by Eiffel Investment Group, through its Eiffel Essentiel fund, with strong backing from Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers focused on sustainable investments. This funding marks a pivotal moment in OpenAirlines’ mission to accelerate the aviation industry's transition to sustainability.

The funding round also includes future participation from the Caisse de Retraite du Personnel Navigant Professionnel de l’Aéronautique Civile (CRPN), a French pension fund for civil aviation crew members. The capital infusion will enable OpenAirlines to expand its operations in North America and Asia, enhance its product portfolio, and explore strategic acquisitions to bolster its market leadership.

Addressing Aviation’s Dual Challenge: Reducing Emissions and Costs

The aviation industry, responsible for 2% of global CO₂ emissions in 2022, faces mounting pressure to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. With fuel accounting for 30% of an airline's operating expenses, reducing consumption is both an environmental imperative and a financial necessity. Since its founding in 2006 by CEO Alexandre Feray, OpenAirlines has positioned itself at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative solutions to address these twin challenges.

SkyBreathe®: Technology Powering Eco-Friendly Aviation

OpenAirlines' flagship product, SkyBreathe®, is a digital environmental performance management platform designed to optimize fuel consumption and reduce CO₂ emissions at every stage of flight. Using machine learning and artificial intelligence, the SaaS-based solution analyzes over 15 million flights to provide actionable insights to pilots and ground crews. The tool helps airlines reduce fuel consumption by 3% to 5% per flight, offering a return on investment of up to 15 times.

The company aims to further develop its SkyBreathe® OnBoard technology, which provides real-time recommendations to pilots during flights. Additionally, OpenAirlines plans to introduce tools for air traffic controllers and solutions to support airlines in meeting increasingly stringent ESG regulations.

Proven Impact and Growing Market Presence

OpenAirlines’ innovative approach has yielded significant results, with over 70 airlines worldwide—including Air France, EasyJet, Korean Air, and JetBlue—utilizing its technology. In 2023, airlines using SkyBreathe® collectively reduced CO₂ emissions by 1.4 million metric tons and saved 420,000 tons of fuel, equivalent to seven times the carbon savings achieved by all sustainable aviation fuels produced globally that year.

Headquartered in Toulouse, France, with offices in the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong, OpenAirlines has demonstrated consistent profitability since 2021. Its annual recurring revenue (ARR) reached €10 million in 2024, fueled by a 30% annual growth rate over the past five years. The company generates 37% of its revenue in Europe, 30% in the Americas, and 33% in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa regions.

Strategic Backing for Future Growth

The latest investment round underscores the confidence of leading sustainability-focused investors in OpenAirlines’ vision. Eiffel Investment Group and Mirova bring extensive expertise in financing Europe’s energy transition and are committed to supporting the company’s role in decarbonizing aviation.

Céline André, Director of the Eiffel Essentiel fund, praised OpenAirlines for providing actionable tools to help airlines achieve their sustainability goals. “The company is already delivering impressive financial and environmental impacts,” she noted, highlighting its unique position in the market.

Youssef Belatar, Investment Director at Mirova, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the synergy between OpenAirlines’ technological innovation and the broader environmental transition. “OpenAirlines offers concrete solutions to reduce both carbon emissions and operating costs, aligning financial returns with sustainable impact,” he said.

A Clear Path to Global Leadership

With the aviation decarbonization market expected to triple by 2030, OpenAirlines is poised to consolidate its position as a global leader. The company plans to use the new capital to expand its geographic reach and diversify its offerings, catering to the entire spectrum of airline operations. A targeted acquisition strategy will further enhance its product portfolio and strengthen its competitive edge.

CEO Alexandre Feray emphasized the transformative potential of this funding. “We now have the resources to position ourselves as a market aggregator, making strategic acquisitions to expand our services and help airlines achieve both operational excellence and environmental goals,” he stated.

OpenAirlines’ €45 million funding marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s shift toward sustainability. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic investor support, the company is well-positioned to lead the way in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint while delivering substantial economic benefits to its clients. As the demand for sustainable aviation solutions continues to grow, OpenAirlines stands as a beacon of innovation and environmental responsibility in the sector.