Mercedes Mullins
Airliners carry varying amounts of fuel depending on several factors, including the aircraft's size, capacity, and range. For instance, the Airbus A380, the world's largest jet airliner, burns approximately 4,600 gallons (11,400 liters) of fuel per hour, while a Boeing 747 burns around 5 gallons of fuel per mile (12 liters per kilometer). The type of fuel used also varies, with kerosene-based fuels being the preferred choice for large planes due to their higher flash point and increased efficiency compared to gasoline. Additionally, the final decision on fuel quantity rests with the aircraft's captain, who considers factors such as regulatory requirements and flight circumstances. Airlines employ various strategies to manage fuel costs, including negotiating deals with suppliers and utilizing lightweight composite materials to enhance fuel efficiency.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel costs: $110,000 for a transatlantic flight
The cost of fuel for airliners has been a concern for carriers, especially with the rise in global jet fuel prices in recent years. The fuel costs for a transatlantic flight from New York to London, operated by an Airbus A350 XWB, amount to nearly $110,000, considering the average price of jet fuel at $6.46 per gallon. This price is dependent on several factors, including the aircraft's type, weight, and direction of travel.
The Airbus A350 XWB is a modern twin-engine aircraft that consumes approximately 38 pounds of fuel per nautical mile. The fuel efficiency of an aircraft is influenced by various factors such as the number of engines, with modern twin jets being more efficient than quadjets. Additionally, the size and capacity of the aircraft play a role in fuel consumption, with larger planes like the Airbus A380 burning more fuel per hour than smaller planes.
The cost of jet fuel has fluctuated over the years, averaging $66 per barrel in the first half of 2019 and reaching a low of approximately $30 in January 2016. These price changes can impact ticket prices, although there may not be an immediate or direct link between fuel costs and airline ticket prices. To manage price fluctuations, airlines use strategies such as fuel hedging and call options to protect themselves from extreme price changes.
The amount of fuel burned by an airliner during a transatlantic flight is significant. A Boeing 747, for example, burns approximately one gallon of fuel every second, resulting in a fuel consumption of 36,000 gallons over a 10-hour flight. This high fuel consumption contributes to a large portion of the ticket price paid by passengers.
The use of kerosene-based fuels, such as Jet A and Jet A-1, is common for large planes due to their higher flash point and efficiency compared to gasoline. With sustainability concerns, the focus on reducing CO2 emissions and the use of fossil fuels has increased. However, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) currently accounts for only 0.1% of jet fuel usage globally.
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Fuel efficiency: Jet aircraft are less efficient than turboprops
The fuel economy of an aircraft is the measure of its transport energy efficiency. Fuel efficiency can be increased by improving aerodynamics, reducing weight, and improving engine brake-specific fuel consumption. Jet aircraft are generally larger and faster than turboprops, and they fly at higher altitudes. However, turboprops are more fuel-efficient than jet aircraft, especially for shorter, lower-altitude flights. This is due to the propeller power of turboprops, which have an optimum speed of under 460 miles per hour (740 km/h).
The larger size of jets means they are better suited to long-distance flights, as they can carry more passengers and have a longer range. Jets also offer a smoother and quieter ride, which is preferable for long-distance travel. However, the higher speed and altitude of jets come at the cost of fuel efficiency. While jet engines became 70% more fuel-efficient between 1967 and 2007, turboprops remained more efficient for short-haul flights.
The fuel efficiency of an aircraft also depends on its weight, with lighter materials such as titanium, carbon fibre, and composite plastics improving efficiency. Additionally, the seating density of an aircraft can impact its fuel economy, with higher seat density resulting in increased fuel economy and lower greenhouse gas emissions per passenger.
The type of fuel used also impacts the efficiency of jet vs turboprop aircraft. Jet fuel is generally kerosene-based, which has a higher flash point and provides more power than gasoline. The higher energy density of jet fuel contributes to the higher fuel efficiency of jet engines compared to other types of aircraft engines.
Overall, while jet aircraft have advantages in terms of speed, range, and passenger capacity, turboprops are more fuel-efficient, especially for shorter and lower-altitude flights. The choice between jet and turboprop aircraft depends on the specific requirements of the flight, such as distance, speed, and passenger load.
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Fuel type: Kerosene-based fuels are used for large planes
Kerosene-based fuels are the most common type of fuel used for large planes. Kerosene is a mixture of petroleum-based hydrocarbons and other compounds. It has several advantages over gasoline as an aviation fuel. Firstly, kerosene has a higher flash point than gasoline, meaning it requires significantly higher temperatures to ignite. This makes it safer for use in aviation. Additionally, kerosene has a lower freezing point than gasoline, which is important as it prevents the fuel from freezing at high altitudes. Kerosene also has a lower viscosity rating than gasoline, meaning it is more watery and less thick, which is important as highly viscous fuels can clog up internal channels in an airplane's engine. Kerosene is also more efficient and provides a higher level of power than gasoline.
Kerosene-based jet fuels are also engineered to meet strict specifications to ensure compatibility with modern jet engine designs. They undergo rigorous testing and quality control measures to meet aviation industry standards. The refining process for kerosene involves fractional distillation, which separates crude oil into fractions, with kerosene extracted from the middle distillate range.
The specific type of kerosene-based fuel used in aviation is known as Jet A or Jet A-1. These fuels are derived from kerosene and exhibit high flash points, making them safe for use in aviation. They also have low freezing points, ensuring they remain fluid and flowable even at high altitudes. Kerosene-based jet fuels offer high energy density, providing efficient propulsion for aircraft.
While kerosene-based fuels are currently the primary fuel for jet engines, there is ongoing research and development focused on enhancing the environmental performance of these fuels. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), including biofuels and synthetic fuels, are being explored as alternatives to traditional kerosene-based jet fuels to reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels.
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Aircraft weight: Fuel carried impacts take-off weight
The amount of fuel an aircraft carries has a significant impact on its take-off weight, which is a critical factor in aviation. An aircraft's weight, including its fuel load, influences its performance, range, and efficiency.
Aircraft weight is a crucial consideration in aviation, and fuel is a significant contributor to an aircraft's overall weight. The amount of fuel carried can vary depending on factors such as aircraft type, engine efficiency, and flight distance. Modern aircraft, such as the Airbus A350, consume approximately 38 pounds of fuel per nautical mile. This fuel consumption can vary based on the type of aircraft and its engines. For example, modern twin jets are more fuel-efficient than quadjets. Additionally, propeller planes, including turboprop airliners, are generally more fuel-efficient than jet aircraft.
The weight of an aircraft, including its fuel load, directly affects its performance and range. An aircraft's maximum take-off weight (MTOW) is a key consideration in aviation. The A380, for instance, has an MTOW of 575 tonnes, which is significantly higher than other aircraft. A heavier aircraft requires more fuel to generate the necessary thrust for take-off and flight, which, in turn, increases fuel consumption. Therefore, the amount of fuel carried has a direct impact on an aircraft's take-off weight and overall efficiency.
To optimize fuel efficiency and reduce take-off weight, airlines employ various strategies. One approach is to use lightweight composite materials in aircraft design, as seen in the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These materials help reduce the overall weight of the aircraft, allowing for lower fuel consumption and improved efficiency. Additionally, airlines may carry out fuel efficiency calculations for each flight, ensuring that the aircraft operates within its maximum gross take-off weight limitations.
While the amount of fuel carried impacts take-off weight, it is important to note that regulatory requirements and safety considerations dictate that commercial flights typically carry at least one extra hour's worth of fuel. This additional fuel ensures the safe operation of the aircraft and provides flexibility to deal with unforeseen circumstances. Ultimately, the decision on how much fuel to carry rests with the captain of the aircraft, who makes the final call based on discussions with the flight crew and relevant regulations.
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Regulatory requirements: Pilots decide how much fuel to carry
Regulatory requirements regarding how much fuel an aircraft should carry vary depending on the airline, the country the aircraft is flying to, and the pilot. However, under FAA and EASA regulations, the captain of an aircraft is responsible for ensuring that it carries enough fuel before taking off. The captain must ensure that the aircraft has the following minimum fuel before departure:
- Fuel required from the start of takeoff, through climb, cruise, descent, and approach to touchdown at the destination, assuming departure on the SID from the assumed runway and arrival using the STAR for the assumed arrival runway and routing based on the forecast wind.
- Fuel required from go-around at the destination, climb, cruise, descent, approach, and landing at the selected alternate airport. This is normally calculated at the planned landing weight minus contingency fuel.
Contingency fuel is recommended to be 5% of the trip fuel or 5 minutes of fuel used in a holding pattern over the destination airport at 1500 feet. This extra fuel is used to absorb unforeseen delays to the planned flight, such as unfavourable weather, ATC delays, an increase in passenger numbers, or a technical defect.
The final decision regarding how much fuel should be carried for a flight is always the responsibility of the captain of the aircraft, who discusses the requirements for any extra fuel with the first officer prior to the flight's commencement. To determine the total fuel required, airlines use a flight planning system, which the pilots can use to decide whether they require any additional fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the aircraft type and flight duration. For instance, a Boeing 747-400 burns around 10-11 tons of jet fuel per hour, while a Boeing 737-800 uses about 2.5-3 tons of fuel per hour.
Fuel efficiency is increased by better aerodynamics, reduced weight, and improved engine brake-specific fuel consumption. Endurance and range can be maximized at optimum altitudes, usually higher.
The total fuel required is calculated by either the pilot or a flight planner employed by the airline. The final decision on how much fuel to carry rests with the Captain of the aircraft, who may request additional fuel based on factors like weather, delays, passenger numbers, or technical defects.
Contingency fuel is additional fuel carried to accommodate unforeseen delays or diversions. It is typically calculated as 5% of the Trip Fuel or 5 minutes of fuel used in a holding pattern over the destination airport at 1500 feet.
