What is the main goal of fuel management during flight?

The primary goal of fuel management during flight is to monitor fuel levels and ensure safe operations. This involves continuously tracking the amount of fuel being consumed, assessing fuel levels, and calculating the remaining range of the aircraft to ensure it can safely reach its destination or an alternate airport. Effective fuel management is critical for maintaining the safety and efficiency of the flight, as inadequate fuel can lead to emergencies, such as fuel starvation or forced landings. Furthermore, it integrates with overall flight planning and operational efficiency, ensuring that the aircraft performs optimally without compromising safety.

In contrast, while reducing fuel costs is beneficial for airlines, it is not the main goal; safety and the ability to complete the flight are paramount. Increasing the speed of the aircraft and maintaining optimal luggage weight may be considerations during flight operations, but they do not have the primary focus that fuel management does on monitoring fuel levels for safe operations.