Mercedes Mullins
Airplane fuel, or jet fuel, is a kerosene-based hydrocarbon compound with special characteristics that adapt to the environment in which it is consumed. The cost of jet fuel has risen in recent times, and its consumption is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. The amount of fuel burned by an aircraft depends on various factors, including the model, number of passengers, cargo weight, route, and weather conditions. For example, a Boeing 747 can burn approximately one gallon of fuel per second, while the Airbus A380, the world's largest jet airliner, can burn up to 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour.
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What You'll Learn
Jet fuel price
The price of jet fuel is a crucial factor in the aviation industry, influencing operational costs and, ultimately, ticket prices for passengers. Jet fuel prices can vary over time and across different regions, and are influenced by various factors such as demand, supply, and global economic conditions.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average jet fuel price can be monitored weekly through their Jet Fuel Price Monitor. For instance, in one particular week, the global average jet fuel price rose by 0.5% compared to the previous week, reaching $90.21 per barrel. This price reflects the average cost paid at refineries for aviation jet fuel.
It's important to note that jet fuel prices can vary significantly depending on the region. Platts, a leading energy information provider, publishes the Platts Jet Fuel Price Index, which provides daily assessments of jet fuel spot prices in relevant regional markets. These assessments consider factors such as demand and are used to calculate regional indices and the Global Composite Index.
The cost of jet fuel has a direct impact on the operational expenses of airlines. For example, a Boeing 747 aircraft consumes approximately one gallon of fuel per second during flight, resulting in a fuel burn of around 36,000 gallons over a 10-hour flight. This equates to approximately 5 gallons of fuel per mile or 12 liters per kilometer. However, when considering the number of passengers on board, the fuel efficiency per passenger improves significantly.
Additionally, the Airbus A380, the current largest jet airliner, offers even better fuel efficiency. With a maximum fuel capacity of 500,000 pounds, it burns an average of 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, resulting in a more fuel-efficient option for airlines and passengers alike.
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Fuel efficiency
The fuel efficiency of an aircraft depends on a multitude of factors, including the aircraft's empty weight, payload, engine efficiency, flight path, and weather conditions. For instance, short trips of 500 to 1500 kilometres are the worst-performing flights because the fuel used for takeoff is relatively large compared to the amount expended in the cruise segment, and because less fuel-efficient regional jets are typically used on shorter flights.
Newer aircraft are generally more fuel-efficient than older ones. For example, the Airbus A350 consumes around 38 lb per nautical mile, while the Boeing 787-9 burns approximately 2,700 gallons per hour. The Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft, consumes about 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, slightly more than the Boeing 747, which burns about 36,000 gallons of fuel over a 10-hour flight.
Aircraft efficiency can be improved by maximizing the lift-to-drag ratio, which is achieved by minimizing parasitic drag and lift-generated induced drag, the two components of aerodynamic drag. Parasitic drag can be reduced by minimizing the frontal area of the aircraft and streamlining it for a low drag coefficient, while induced drag can be reduced by decreasing the size of the airframe, fuel and payload weight, and increasing the wing aspect ratio or using wingtip devices.
New technology can also improve fuel efficiency. For example, higher pressure and bypass ratios, geared turbofans, open rotors, hybrid electric or fully electric propulsion, and advanced aerodynamics can all reduce engine fuel consumption. Additionally, aircraft with a blended wing body (BWB) design, where the whole craft produces lift, provide greater fuel efficiency.
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Fuel type
Aviation fuel is essential for aircraft propulsion and comes in various types, each with distinct qualities and specifications. The two primary types of aviation fuel are jet fuel and aviation gasoline (AVGAS). Jet fuel, including Jet A and Jet A-1, is a colourless, combustible, kerosene-based fuel used in turbine engine planes. It is the most widely used jet fuel globally and is suitable for international flights due to its low freezing point. Jet fuel powers large commercial planes and military aircraft. AVGAS, on the other hand, is used in small piston-engine and propeller planes for tasks like crop-dusting, private flying, and flight training. It contains tetraethyl lead, a toxic additive that prevents engine knocking.
Jet fuel and AVGAS have crucial differences in their properties, making them unsuitable for use in automobiles. Jet fuels, being kerosene-based, cannot power gasoline engines. Additionally, AVGAS contains tetraethyl lead additives that act as a lubricant for aircraft engines but would damage components in standard vehicles, such as the catalytic converter.
The cost of jet fuel is monitored by organisations like IATA, which provides data on the latest prices. As of the latest data, the global average jet fuel price was $90.21 per bbl, reflecting a 0.5% increase from the previous week.
The aviation industry is also exploring sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based fuels. Biofuels, also known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), are being developed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. SAF offers similar efficiency to traditional aviation fuel and can be used within existing fuel systems. However, challenges remain in achieving the economy of scale necessary to make SAF cost-competitive.
Furthermore, the industry is investigating the potential of hydrogen power and electric batteries for short-term flights and light cargo transportation. While aviation batteries are currently bulkier and less efficient than fossil fuels, advancements in technology may pave the way for their increased use in the future.
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Fuel weight
The weight of jet fuel varies depending on its specific gravity and density, which can differ from place to place. The density of jet fuel is measured in kilograms per litre (kg/L) or pounds per gallon (lbs/gal). Jet fuel with a higher density will have a greater weight. For example, Jet A-1 fuel has a density of around 0.795 kg/L, while JP-5 jet fuel has a density of 0.81 kg/L.
The weight of jet fuel is an important consideration in aviation, as it affects the performance and range of aircraft. The fuel weight also impacts the cost of aviation fuel, as it is sold by volume, but the required fuel is based on weight. Therefore, fuel with a lower density will result in a higher volume being required for the same weight, which can increase costs.
The weight of fuel an aircraft can carry varies depending on the type and size of the plane. For example, the Airbus A380, which is the world's largest jet airliner, has a maximum fuel capacity of 500,000 pounds. On the other hand, smaller planes, such as those using piston engines, will have a lower fuel capacity.
The fuel weight of an aircraft is also dependent on the length of the flight and the number of passengers on board. For example, a Boeing 747 might burn approximately 36,000 gallons of fuel during a 10-hour flight, but the fuel efficiency can be improved when considering the number of passengers on board. While the plane may burn 5 gallons of fuel per mile, it is getting 100 miles per gallon per person when carrying 500 passengers.
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Fuel burn
The amount of fuel burned by an aircraft depends on various factors, including the model, number of passengers, cargo weight, route, and weather conditions. The fuel consumption of a commercial aircraft is relatively high, but when considering the number of passengers, it becomes more efficient than some cars. For instance, a Boeing 747 burns approximately 1 gallon (about 4 litres) of fuel per second, amounting to 36,000 gallons (150,000 litres) over a 10-hour flight. However, when calculated per passenger, the fuel efficiency improves significantly.
The Airbus A380, the largest jet airliner, is even more fuel-efficient. It burns an average of 4,600 gallons (11,400 litres) of fuel per hour, with a maximum fuel capacity of 500,000 pounds. This increased efficiency is due to the use of lightweight composite materials in its design. Additionally, the A380 can carry more than 800 passengers, resulting in a 20% increase in per-passenger fuel efficiency compared to the older 747.
The fuel type also impacts fuel efficiency. Kerosene-based fuels, such as Jet A and Jet A-1, are commonly used in large planes due to their higher flash point compared to gasoline. Aviation gasoline (AVGAS) is used in small piston-engine airplanes. To improve efficiency, aircraft designs are being patented with twin rear-mounted counter-rotating propfans, and blended wing bodies (BWB) that provide lift across the entire craft, not just the wings.
The phase of flight also affects fuel burn. While cruising accounts for the majority of fuel burn on long-haul flights, shorter flights have higher fuel burn percentages during taxiing, take-off, climb, approach, and taxi in. For instance, the A380 flight to Dubai, operated by Emirates, burns the most fuel due to its high maximum take-off weight and passenger capacity.
To ensure safe flight operations, pilots must schedule the required fuel for the route, including an extra 30 minutes of possible waits and enough fuel to reach an alternative airport if needed. While it is unlikely for an aircraft to run out of fuel, procedures are in place for such scenarios, including notifying air traffic control and declaring a fuel emergency.
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Frequently asked questions
The price of airplane fuel is not set and will vary depending on the region and demand. For example, the global average jet fuel price rose by 0.5% to $90.21 per bbl in a week.
The amount of fuel used during a flight depends on the model, number of passengers, kilos of cargo, route, etc. For instance, a Boeing 747 uses approximately 1 gallon (4 liters) of fuel every second, burning 36,000 gallons (150,000 liters) of fuel over a 10-hour flight.
Airplanes are much more fuel-efficient than cars when considering the number of passengers they transport. While the typical car gets about 25 miles per gallon, an Airbus A380, carrying 500 people, achieves 100 miles per gallon per person.
