Katerina Swanson
The amount of fuel used by airlines is a topic of great interest, especially with the recent focus on carbon emissions and climate change. Aircraft consume vast amounts of fuel, with the global consumption of commercial airlines reaching an all-time high of 95 billion gallons in 2019. The type of aircraft, flight distance, and passenger capacity all influence fuel usage, with larger planes like the Airbus A380 consuming 4600 gallons of fuel per hour. The number of flights also impacts overall consumption, with 57 return flights between London and New York in a single day. Fuel efficiency has improved over the years, but the recent rise in fuel prices has impacted airlines' operations and costs.
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What You'll Learn
- Jet aircraft use a lot of fuel: a Boeing 747 burns 1 gallon/second
- Fuel costs for airlines are high, e.g. $110,000 for a transatlantic flight
- Fuel burn per kilometre depends on aircraft size and capacity
- Take-off is the most fuel-intensive part of a flight
- Jet fuel is kerosene-based, unlike gasoline-powered cars
Jet aircraft use a lot of fuel: a Boeing 747 burns 1 gallon/second
Jet aircraft use a lot of fuel. The amount of fuel burned by an aircraft depends on several factors, including the type of aircraft, its capacity, and the length of the flight. For example, the Boeing 747, a quadjet, burns up to one gallon of fuel per second, translating to 18,000 gallons of fuel for a five-hour flight.
The Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft, consumes slightly more fuel than the Boeing 747 due to its higher capacity. It burns approximately 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, resulting in a total of 23,000 gallons of jet fuel for a five-hour flight.
The fuel consumption of jet aircraft has significant environmental implications. Airbus airliners, for instance, had a carbon intensity of 66.6 grams of CO2e per passenger-kilometer in 2019, which improved to 63.5 grams in 2020. To reduce carbon emissions, operational procedures can be optimized, such as reducing the use of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and implementing proper maintenance routines.
Additionally, the type of fuel used also impacts fuel efficiency. Kerosene-based fuels are commonly used for large planes due to their higher flash point compared to gasoline. Jet fuel is generally kerosene-based, and its efficiency is determined by the airspeed, thrust-specific fuel consumption, and the specific energy of the fuel.
The aviation industry has made significant improvements in fuel efficiency over the years. Jet airliners became 70% more fuel-efficient between 1967 and 2007, with a 45% reduction in average fuel burn for new aircraft from 1968 to 2014.
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Fuel costs for airlines are high, e.g. $110,000 for a transatlantic flight
Fuel costs for airlines are high and have been increasing over the years. In 2019, the global fuel consumption by commercial airlines reached an all-time high of 95 billion gallons. While fuel consumption decreased to 52 billion gallons in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, it increased again in 2021 and is forecast to rise even further in 2023 and 2024, reaching 99 billion gallons in the latter year.
The amount of fuel used by aircraft varies depending on the type of aircraft, the number of passengers, and the distance travelled. For example, a Boeing 747 quadjet burns up to one gallon of fuel per second, resulting in a total of 18,000 gallons of fuel burned during a five-hour flight. On the other hand, the Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft, consumes approximately 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, adding up to about 23,000 gallons for a five-hour flight.
The fuel efficiency of aircraft has improved over time, with jet airliners becoming 70% more fuel-efficient between 1967 and 2007. Newer aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350, and Bombardier CSeries, are 20% more fuel-efficient per passenger kilometre than previous-generation aircraft. However, despite these improvements, the fuel costs for carriers can still be significant. For instance, a transatlantic flight from New York to London, operated by an Airbus A350 XWB, would incur fuel costs of nearly $110,000 at the current average price of $6.46 per gallon.
To manage fuel costs, airlines employ various strategies, such as fuel hedging, which protects them from extreme fluctuations in jet fuel prices. Additionally, operational procedures can play a role in fuel savings, with measures such as reducing the use of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and optimizing maintenance practices contributing to significant fuel reductions.
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Fuel burn per kilometre depends on aircraft size and capacity
Fuel efficiency in aircraft is influenced by several factors, including aerodynamics, weight, engine brake-specific fuel consumption, propulsive efficiency, and thrust-specific fuel consumption. The weight of an aircraft affects its lift-induced drag, and consequently, its fuel efficiency. Additionally, the optimum cruising altitude increases as the aircraft's weight decreases due to fuel burn.
The size and capacity of an aircraft play a significant role in fuel burn per kilometre. Larger aircraft like the Airbus A380, the current reigning champ for the world's largest jet airliner, burn more fuel per hour than smaller aircraft. The A380 consumes approximately 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, which equates to about 1.3 gallons per second. On the other hand, smaller aircraft like the Boeing 747 quadjet burn up to one gallon of fuel per second, resulting in 18,000 gallons of fuel burned during a five-hour flight.
The number of passengers on board also impacts fuel efficiency. A fully occupied Boeing 747 with 568 passengers burns 0.01 gallons of fuel per person per mile, resulting in 100 miles per gallon per person. The Airbus A380, with its higher passenger capacity of over 800, offers a 20% increase in per-passenger fuel efficiency compared to the older 747.
It is worth noting that newer aircraft generations, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350, and Bombardier CSeries, are significantly more fuel-efficient. These aircraft are 20% more efficient per passenger kilometre than their previous generation counterparts. Additionally, some airlines have implemented strategies to reduce fuel consumption, such as flying slower or utilising turboprops.
In terms of fuel consumption regulations, airlines must adhere to strict guidelines. Under FAA and EASA regulations, the captain of an aircraft is responsible for ensuring sufficient fuel levels before takeoff. Contingency fuel, for instance, is required to be at least 5% above the total fuel needed for the trip. Aircraft like the A350 are capable of carrying over 37,000 gallons of fuel.
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Take-off is the most fuel-intensive part of a flight
The amount of fuel burned by commercial airlines has been steadily increasing since 2009, reaching a peak of 95 billion gallons in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop in 2020, with consumption falling to 52 billion gallons.
While several more fuel-efficient aircraft are now in use, planes still burn a lot of fuel. For example, a Boeing 747 quadjet burns up to one gallon of fuel per second. During a five-hour flight, this equates to 18,000 gallons of fuel. The Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft, consumes even more fuel due to its higher capacity. On average, it burns 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, or approximately 23,000 gallons for a five-hour flight.
However, when considering total fuel consumption, the cruising stage of a flight uses the most fuel, especially on long-haul flights. Cruising altitudes offer thinner air, reducing drag and allowing engines to operate more efficiently. Additionally, cruising maintains a constant speed, optimising fuel burn over distance. While cruising burns fuel at a slower rate than take-off, it makes up the majority of the flight duration, resulting in higher overall fuel consumption.
To optimise fuel efficiency, aircraft should cruise at the maximum altitude where they can still generate sufficient lift. As the weight of the aircraft decreases due to fuel burn, the optimum cruising altitude increases. Other factors influencing fuel efficiency include weather conditions, flight distance, aircraft type, weight and load, altitude, flight path, engine maintenance, and the use of lightweight materials.
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Jet fuel is kerosene-based, unlike gasoline-powered cars
The global fuel consumption by commercial airlines reached an all-time high of 95 billion gallons in 2019. While several more fuel-efficient aircraft are now in use, a Boeing 747 quadjet burns up to one gallon of fuel every second. The largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, consumes 4,600 gallons of fuel each hour.
Gasoline is not suitable for larger aviation turbines as it boils at a low temperature, which could interfere with the operation of fueldraulic parts. Gasoline is also easier to ignite than kerosene. Kerosene burns more slowly and relatively coolly, making it a safer option for jet engines. It also avoids pre-ignition problems and some safety hazards.
Jet fuel is formulated specifically for use in jet engines, allowing them to be as efficient as possible while providing the best performance and extending the service lives of engine parts. Jet fuel also contains additives such as anti-static and de-icing agents, corrosion inhibitors, and antioxidants, which increase its safety.
Kerosene, on the other hand, is a general term for a variety of chemically similar fuels derived from crude oil. It has a wide range of applications, both inside and outside the aviation industry. Kerosene is often more readily available and cheaper per gallon than jet fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel used depends on several factors, including the aircraft's empty weight, payload, engine efficiency, flight path, and weather conditions. The type and size of the aircraft, as well as the length of the flight, also play a role. For example, a Boeing 747 burns around 10-11 tons of jet fuel per hour, while shorter flights using a Boeing 737-800 use about 2.5-3 tons per hour.
The fuel economy of an aircraft is influenced by its aerodynamics, weight, engine brake-specific fuel consumption, and propulsive efficiency or thrust-specific fuel consumption. Additionally, the length of the flight and the number of passengers can also impact fuel usage.
Longer flights generally burn more fuel than shorter flights, as cruising accounts for the majority of carbon emissions. However, for shorter flights, a higher proportion of fuel is used during taxiing, take-off, climb, and approach.
A typical transatlantic flight from New York to London, which is approximately 3,451 nautical miles, would require around 36,000 gallons of fuel for a Boeing 747-400. The Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft, consumes about 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, so for a five-hour flight, it would use approximately 23,000 gallons of jet fuel.
Fuel costs for carriers can be significant, especially with rising fuel prices. A transatlantic flight from New York to London operated by an Airbus A350 XWB would cost nearly $110,000 in fuel. According to the Global Outlook for Air Transport report, fuel use by airlines worldwide rose to 77 billion gallons in 2022, a 48% increase from 2020.
