Diehl Aviation has completed a successful in-service trial of its Grey Water Reuse System (GWRS) on Boeing 777 aircraft operated by SWISS, demonstrating a significant step forward in sustainable aviation technology. The system, designed to treat and reuse grey water from washbasins, was tested over three months under normal operational conditions, confirming its reliability and potential environmental benefits.
The trial highlighted that the ECO system can reduce potable water consumption by up to 25%, translating into approximately 250 liters of water saved per long-haul flight. Additionally, the system contributes to a decrease in aircraft weight and fuel consumption, which can lead to annual carbon dioxide reductions of up to 90 tonnes per aircraft.
Industry Collaboration and Future Adoption
This project was conducted in close cooperation with Boeing and SWISS, underscoring the importance of collaborative innovation within the industry. The successful deployment has led to plans for retrofitting the ECO GWRS on Airbus A350 aircraft, enabling airlines to adopt the technology without waiting for new aircraft deliveries.
Alongside the water reuse initiative, Diehl Aviation received the Crystal Cabin Award 2026 for its Adaptive User Routing System (AURS), improving accessibility in aircraft cabins. The company also partnered with SWISS to install its Mechanical Lift System (MLS) on Airbus A350 aircraft, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience.
As sustainability continues to be a priority for the airline industry, innovations like the GWRS can play a key role in reducing operational costs and environmental impacts, supporting airlines' commitments to greener flying practices.
