Katerina Swanson
The cost of fuelling a plane depends on various factors, including the type of aircraft, the length of the journey, cargo weight, and weather conditions. Fuel is one of the highest expenses for airlines, accounting for 20-40% of their total expenditure. The price of jet fuel has been steadily increasing, with the global average jet fuel price rising by 0.5% to $90.21 per bbl in 2025. In 2022, the price of Jet A1 fuel was approximately $816 per metric tonne, more than double the price in 2021. The cost of fuelling a plane can vary significantly, with a flight from New York JFK Airport to London Heathrow costing around $27,270 in fuel, while a flight from Chicago to Miami costs around $4,747.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of fuel as a percentage of airline expenditure | 20-40% |
| Factors affecting fuel use | Sector length, taxi time, cargo weight, weather, jet stream direction, etc. |
| Average national price for jet fuel in the US | $6.25 per gallon |
| Average price for jet fuel in the FAA Alaska region | $8.08 per gallon |
| Average price for jet fuel in the FAA Central region | $5.52 per gallon |
| Average fuel price for a flight from New York JFK Airport to London Heathrow | $27,270 |
| Average fuel price for a flight from JFK to Los Angeles International Airport | $10,757 |
| Average fuel price for a flight from Chicago O'Hare International to Miami International Airport | $4,747 |
| Average fuel use by a Boeing 747 for a 10-hour flight | 36,000 gallons |
| Average fuel use by an Airbus A380 per hour | 4,600 gallons |
| Price of Jet A1 in January 2022 | $816 per metric tonne |
| Price of Jet A1 in January 2021 | $430 per metric tonne |
| Price of Jet A1 in May 2020 | $200 per metric tonne |
| Cost of fuel for a Jumbo Jet (Boeing 747-400) flying from London to New York | £53,500 |
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What You'll Learn
Fluctuating fuel prices
Fuel prices are constantly fluctuating, and this is a significant cost for airlines, accounting for 20-40% of their expenditure. This is a cost that airlines have little control over, and it can vary depending on the region and airport. For example, the national average price for jet fuel in the US is $6.25 per gallon, but the FAA Alaska region reports prices as high as $8.08 per gallon, while the Central region has prices as low as $5.52.
The price of jet fuel has seen dramatic shifts in recent years, with prices in January 2022 reaching around double what they were in January 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic caused a collapse in oil prices, with jet fuel prices in May 2020 reaching just $0.20 per KG.
The cost of fuelling a plane depends on many factors, including the type of plane, the length of the sector, taxi time, cargo weight, weather, and jet stream direction. A larger plane, such as a Boeing 747, can use around one gallon of fuel per second, burning 36,000 gallons over a 10-hour flight. The direction of travel also matters, as jet streams can push aircraft in one direction faster than the other, affecting fuel costs. For example, a flight from New York to London can capitalise on the jet stream, resulting in lower fuel costs than the reverse journey.
Airlines can hedge their fuel costs to reduce risk and fixed costs, by agreeing on a constant price for a set period. However, this strategy may not always pay off, as market prices may fall below the hedged price.
The Average Cost: Understanding the Middle Ground
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Fuel type
The type of fuel used by aircraft is an important consideration when discussing the cost of fueling a plane. Most aircraft today run on jet fuel, which is a refined petroleum product specifically designed for aviation use. This fuel type is sometimes referred to as aviation turbine fuel (ATF) or aviaton fuel.
Jet fuel is a kerosene-type fuel that has been optimized for use in aviation gas turbine engines. It has You may want to see also Fuel efficiency is a critical topic in aviation, with ambitious targets set to reduce the environmental impact of commercial air travel. Airlines must reduce their jet fuel consumption, and ensuring aircraft are as fuel-efficient as possible is key to reaching those targets. The number of engines also plays a role in fuel efficiency. Aircraft with four engines tend to be less fuel-efficient than twinjets due to design factors such as higher wing weight and smaller engine fan diameter. In 2016, very large four-engine aircraft used on transpacific flights had 24% lower fuel efficiency per passenger than aircraft with two engines. Additionally, the design and aerodynamics of an aircraft impact fuel efficiency. Wingtip devices, such as those installed on Airbus planes since 1985, improve the lift-to-drag ratio by reducing lift-induced drag caused by wingtip vortices. This can lead to significant fuel burn reduction on longer flights. Aircraft with improved aerodynamics, such as a smaller frontal area and streamlined design, can reduce parasitic drag, while maximizing laminar flow can reduce skin friction, another component of aerodynamic drag. Other factors that influence fuel efficiency include the aircraft's weight, engine brake-specific fuel consumption, propulsive efficiency, and thrust-specific fuel consumption. New technologies, such as higher pressure and bypass ratios, geared turbofans, open rotors, and hybrid or fully electric propulsion, can also contribute to reduced fuel consumption. It's worth noting that while aircraft size and efficiency are related, other factors, such as sector length, taxi time, cargo weight, weather, and jet stream direction, also impact fuel consumption. You may want to see also The cost of fuelling a plane depends on a multitude of factors, including the type of aircraft, its fuel capacity, the sector length, and the current market price of fuel. The sector length, or the distance of the flight, plays a crucial role in determining the amount of fuel required and, consequently, the overall fuelling cost. Longer sector lengths necessitate a greater amount of fuel to complete the journey, resulting in higher fuelling costs. Conversely, shorter sector lengths require less fuel, leading to reduced fuelling expenses. For instance, a 10-hour flight on a Boeing 747, one of the most common long-haul aircraft, can burn approximately 36,000 gallons (150,000 litres) of fuel. On the other hand, shorter flights, such as those on regional jets or turboprop aircraft, will consume significantly less fuel due to their shorter sector lengths. The impact of sector length on fuelling costs is also influenced by the aircraft's fuel efficiency. More fuel-efficient aircraft, such as modern jet airliners, can optimise their fuel consumption over longer distances, reducing the overall cost per mile. Conversely, older or less efficient aircraft may have higher fuel consumption rates, resulting in higher fuelling costs for the same sector length. Additionally, the direction of travel can also affect fuelling costs. Aircraft flying eastward can take advantage of the jet stream, resulting in lower fuel consumption and costs compared to flying in the opposite direction. This factor becomes particularly significant for long-haul flights, where the jet stream can provide a substantial tailwind, reducing the overall fuel requirement. Airlines employ various strategies to manage fuelling costs related to sector length. Some airlines opt to fill up with enough fuel for a round trip, avoiding the need to refuel on the return journey. This strategy simplifies operations but may result in carrying unnecessary fuel on shorter sector lengths, impacting efficiency. Alternatively, on shorter sector lengths, airlines may choose to refuel only on the return journey, especially if fuel is cheaper at their home airport. You may want to see also Fuel is one of the highest costs for airlines, accounting for 20-40% of expenditure, and is subject to market fluctuations. The cost of fuelling a plane depends on several factors, including the type of aircraft, sector length, cargo weight, and weather conditions. State and local governments imposing taxes on aviation fuel are required to comply with the FAA's policies. The FAA's Policy Concerning the Use of Airport Revenues and Proceeds from Taxes on Aviation Fuel sets a clear framework for the utilisation of these tax revenues. According to this policy, airport revenues, including taxes on aviation fuel, can only be expended on capital and operating costs directly related to airport operations and air transportation of passengers or property. This mandate ensures that the taxes collected from aviation fuel contribute directly to the maintenance and improvement of airport infrastructure and services. Additionally, the FAA has engaged in consultations and collaborations with states, local governments, and trade groups to balance their taxing obligations with Congress' intent. This process ensures that the interests of all stakeholders are considered while maintaining compliance with the mandated use of tax proceeds. The FAA also provides extensions for good cause if state and local governments need more time to come into compliance with the policy requirements. Beyond the FAA's policies, fuel blending mandates, such as those implemented by the European Union, also influence the aviation industry. These mandates promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which has a higher average price compared to traditional jet fuel. As of July 2025, the national average price for SAF in the US was $8.69 per gallon, reflecting the additional costs and complexities associated with adopting more sustainable fuel sources in the aviation industry. You may want to see also The cost of fuelling a plane depends on several factors, including the type of plane, the distance travelled, the weight of the cargo, weather conditions, and the direction of travel. For example, a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet flying from London to New York burns approximately 70,000 kilograms of fuel, costing around £53,500 or $84,620. Aircraft fuel efficiency is influenced by factors such as the size and efficiency of the plane, sector length, taxi time, cargo weight, weather conditions, and jet stream direction. A plane like the Boeing 747 uses about one gallon (roughly four litres) of fuel per second. Over a 10-hour flight, it might burn 36,000 gallons (150,000 litres) of fuel. The price of jet fuel fluctuates and is influenced by market demands and the cost of crude oil. As of January 2022, jet fuel (Jet A1) cost approximately $816 per metric tonne, or $0.82 per kilogram. Airlines can use a strategy called hedging to mitigate the impact of fluctuating fuel prices. Hedging involves agreeing to a fixed fuel price for a set period, protecting the airline from price increases but also potentially resulting in higher costs if prices drop.Fuel Pump Replacement: Cost and Considerations
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Frequently asked questions
