Sylvie Willis
The fuel consumption of aircraft has been a topic of interest, especially with rising fuel prices and sustainability concerns. While the total fuel burned during a flight depends on various factors, it is clear that taxiing uses a significant amount of fuel, especially for shorter flights. This has led to discussions on the use of tugs or electric motors to reduce fuel consumption during taxiing. The A380, for example, burns 1,170 lb of fuel for an average taxi duration of 12 minutes, which can increase costs and emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of fuel burn that goes to taxiing | 2-17% |
| Fuel burn for taxiing for a Paris flight | 17% |
| Fuel burn for taxiing for a Paris flight if it doubled | 25% |
| Average taxi duration | 12 minutes |
| Taxi fuel for an average 12-minute taxi | 1,170 lb |
| Taxi fuel for an A320 for an average 12-minute taxi | 300 lb |
| Cost of a 12-minute taxi in Dubai for Emirates | $360 |
| Taxi time for Emirates 203 | 30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel burn data shows taxiing accounts for 2-17% of fuel use
Fuel burn data reveals that taxiing consumes between 2% and 17% of a flight's total fuel usage. This range is influenced by several factors, including flight duration and airport efficiency. For instance, shorter flights and busy airports contribute to higher taxiing fuel consumption relative to the overall fuel burn.
The fuel expenditure during taxiing is not insignificant, especially on shorter routes. The Dubai flight, for example, burns more fuel overall than the longer Hong Kong flight. However, the Hong Kong flight burns 96% of its fuel during the cruise, while the Dubai flight burns 95%, leaving more room for taxiing fuel consumption.
The taxiing phase includes taxiing out and taxiing in, and the fuel usage during these periods can be substantial. The use of tugs to move aircraft instead of jet engines is one method employed by airlines and airports to reduce fuel wastage and emissions during taxiing. Electric motors are also being installed on aircraft, allowing them to utilise ground power sources for ground movements.
The time spent taxiing can vary, with an average of 12 minutes, but this duration can exceed 30 minutes at busy airports. This extended taxiing time impacts fuel consumption, as seen in the example of the Paris flight, where a doubling of taxi fuel usage would increase the taxiing contribution to total fuel burn from 17% to 25%.
Reducing taxiing fuel usage offers not only economic benefits but also improves health and safety for ground personnel and reduces engine wear and tear. With rising fuel prices and a focus on sustainability, minimising fuel burn during taxiing is an important consideration for the aviation industry.
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Taxiing costs vary by airport and aircraft
The fuel burn of a plane varies depending on the flight stage, with cruising accounting for the majority of carbon emissions and fuel usage. However, taxiing, take-off, climb, approach, and taxi in also contribute significantly to fuel burn, especially for short-haul flights. The fuel burn during taxiing activities ranges from 2% to 17% of total fuel usage, with shorter flights having a higher proportion of fuel burned during taxiing.
Several factors influence the variation in taxiing costs by airport and aircraft. Firstly, the taxi duration can vary depending on the airport's layout and traffic congestion. Busier airports with longer taxi distances will inevitably lead to higher taxiing costs. Additionally, the type of aircraft plays a role in fuel efficiency. For example, the Airbus A380, one of the largest passenger aircraft, consumes approximately 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, while the newer Airbus A350 utilizes less fuel due to its improved engine efficiency.
The weight of the aircraft during taxiing also impacts fuel consumption. A heavier plane, whether due to its own weight or the payload it carries, will require more fuel to move during taxiing. This can vary between flights, even for the same type of aircraft, depending on passenger and cargo loads. Furthermore, the age of the aircraft can contribute to fuel efficiency. Older aircraft may have higher fuel consumption due to engine wear and tear, while newer models with improved engine technology tend to be more fuel-efficient.
Regional variations in jet fuel prices also contribute to the variability in taxiing costs. Fuel prices fluctuate, and factors such as the war in Ukraine and the recent rise in global jet fuel prices impact the cost of operating aircraft at different locations. Additionally, the availability and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can influence taxiing costs, although currently, SAF only accounts for a small fraction of jet fuel usage globally.
To mitigate the high costs associated with taxiing, some airlines and airports have started using tugs to move aircraft instead of burning fuel while taxiing. Electric motors are also being fitted to aircraft, allowing them to utilize ground-based power sources during ground movements. These initiatives not only reduce costs but also improve health and safety conditions for ground workers and decrease engine wear and tear.
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Fuel efficiency varies by aircraft and other factors
The fuel burn data shows that anywhere between 2% and 17% of fuel burn goes to taxiing out or taxiing in, with taxiing accounting for proportionately more fuel burn on shorter flights. For example, on a flight to Paris, if the fuel used for taxiing out doubled, then taxiing would increase from 17% to 25% of total fuel use.
Several factors contribute to the amount of fuel burned by an aircraft. These include the aircraft's empty weight, payload, engine efficiency, flight path, and weather conditions. Additionally, the length of the flight also matters. Longer flights produce more carbon emissions, but shorter flights have a higher proportion of fuel burned during taxiing, take-off, climb, approach, and taxi in.
The type and size of the aircraft also play a role in fuel efficiency. For example, the Boeing 747 burns one gallon of fuel every second during a five-hour flight, totalling 18,000 gallons. On the other hand, the Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft, consumes slightly more fuel than the Boeing 747 due to its higher capacity.
Furthermore, the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can impact fuel efficiency. However, SAF currently accounts for only 0.1% of global jet fuel usage.
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Jet fuel prices have been rising
Another factor influencing jet fuel prices is the cost of feedstock. The price of crude oil, which is the primary input for jet fuel production, has been volatile due to various factors such as geopolitical tensions and supply and demand dynamics. For example, the conflict in the Middle East has contributed to rising crude oil prices, which subsequently impact jet fuel prices.
Additionally, the transition towards sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has also played a role in rising jet fuel prices. SAF production is expected to increase in 2025, but it currently represents a small fraction of the airline industry's total fuel consumption. SAF is more expensive than conventional jet fuel, and its limited availability can drive up overall fuel costs for carriers. However, despite the higher costs, airlines recognize the long-term benefits of SAF in terms of decarbonization and are committed to its adoption.
Regional dynamics also come into play, with Northeast Asia recently sending the most jet fuel to Europe in almost a year. This has helped to ease Asia's jet fuel oversupply and provided a floor to prices. Additionally, diesel's premium to Ice gasoil futures has surpassed that of jet fuel, which is unusual for this time of year. Market participants anticipate a rebound in jet fuel premiums, but it is contingent on specific conditions being met.
While jet fuel prices are rising, it's important to note that the overall cost impact on airlines and passengers may be mitigated by various factors. These include the deployment of more efficient aircraft, the use of electric motors and ground-based power sources for taxiing, and the management of fuel burn during different stages of flight. Nonetheless, jet fuel prices are a significant component of the aviation industry's operations and can influence strategic decisions and financial planning.
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Fuel consumption is a large portion of ticket prices
Fuel consumption is a significant consideration in the aviation industry, with several factors influencing the amount of fuel burned during a flight. While cruising typically accounts for the majority of fuel usage, taxiing and other non-cruising activities can also contribute significantly, especially for shorter flights. The type of aircraft, its age, engine type, and capacity also play a role in fuel efficiency.
The impact of fuel consumption on ticket prices is complex and multifaceted. While fuel costs are a significant expense for airlines, they are just one of many factors that influence ticket pricing. The price of jet fuel, which can vary over time, generally falls in the range of $5 to $6 per gallon. While fuel consumption increases with passenger weight, the difference in fuel costs due to a few additional passengers may not be substantial. This is because jet fuel is relatively inexpensive, and the increase in fuel consumption due to additional passengers is minimal in the context of the overall fuel usage of an aircraft.
However, it's important to note that the relationship between fuel consumption and ticket prices is not linear. The fuel efficiency of an aircraft depends on various factors, including the specific model, engine type, and cruise altitude. Additionally, the weight of the aircraft, including cargo and passenger weight, can impact fuel consumption. Airlines typically calculate fuel requirements precisely, ensuring they have just enough fuel to reach their destination with a small amount of spare fuel. Therefore, any significant increases in weight may lead to adjustments in fuel load, impacting operational costs.
The length of a flight also affects fuel consumption. Longer flights burn more fuel overall, resulting in higher carbon emissions. However, when examining the proportion of fuel used during different flight stages, cruising typically accounts for the majority, with taxiing, take-off, climb, approach, and taxi-in contributing more significantly to shorter flights. Therefore, the impact of taxiing on fuel consumption and ticket prices is more pronounced for shorter flights.
While fuel consumption is a factor in ticket pricing, it is challenging to attribute a specific portion of the ticket price to fuel costs. This is because ticket prices are determined by various factors, including demand, competition, airport fees, taxes, and other operational costs. Additionally, external factors such as increased security measures and the cost of equipment like X-ray machines can also influence ticket pricing. Therefore, while fuel consumption is a consideration, it is just one aspect of the broader equation that determines the price of an airline ticket.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel burned while taxiing depends on the duration of taxiing, the size and type of aircraft, and the flight route. For example, an A380 aircraft uses 1,170 lb of fuel for an average taxi duration of 12 minutes, while an A320 uses 300 lb for the same duration.
The percentage of total fuel used for taxiing varies depending on the length of the flight. For shorter flights, a higher proportion of fuel is used for taxiing. On average, anywhere between 2% and 17% of fuel is used for taxiing out and taxiing in, with this figure increasing to 25% if the fuel use associated with taxiing out doubles.
The amount of fuel used for taxiing is typically lower than that used during cruise, take-off, climb, approach, and taxi in. For longer flights, such as to Hong Kong or Dubai, cruising can account for up to 95-96% of total fuel burned.
Reducing fuel usage during taxiing can bring several benefits, including cost savings, improved health and safety for ground workers, and reduced engine wear and tear. Additionally, with the aviation industry's focus on sustainability and the high contribution of carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels, optimizing fuel efficiency during all stages of flight is crucial.
