Mercedes Mullins
The amount of fuel required to fly around the world depends on a variety of factors, including the type of aircraft, the number of passengers, the flight path, and weather conditions. For example, a Boeing 747 burns 1 gallon of fuel per second, while the Airbus A380, the world's largest jet airliner, burns 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour. The fuel efficiency of aircraft has improved over time, with modern aircraft being more efficient than older models, and turboprop planes being more efficient than jets. Fuel prices and environmental concerns have also brought ultra-long-haul routes into question.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel efficiency and consumption
The fuel efficiency of an aircraft is measured by comparing the production of an airline to the quantity of fuel burned. It can be calculated in litres per 100 kilometres per passenger or passengers per kilometre per litre. For example, an average airline fuel consumption per passenger in Europe in 2017 was 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres, while US airlines had a fuel consumption of 4.06 litres per 100 kilometres per revenue passenger for domestic flights in 2018.
The type of aircraft also plays a crucial role in fuel efficiency. Modern twin-engine aircraft, such as the Airbus A350, are more fuel-efficient than quadjets. The Airbus A350 consumes around 38 pounds of fuel per nautical mile, resulting in approximately 17,000 gallons of fuel for a flight between New York and London. In comparison, the Boeing 747 burns one gallon of fuel every second, totalling 18,000 gallons for a five-hour flight.
To improve fuel efficiency, airlines can focus on better aerodynamics, weight reduction, and improved engine brake-specific fuel consumption. Additionally, maintaining optimum altitudes during flights can enhance fuel economy. Low-cost airlines tend to have better fuel efficiency due to their high filling rates, resulting in a lower quantity of fuel used per passenger.
When comparing the fuel efficiency of flying to that of driving, it's important to consider the number of passengers. While a typical car gets about 25 miles per gallon, a full flight on a new plane with more than 200 passengers can achieve over 100 miles per gallon per person. This demonstrates that air travel can be more fuel-efficient per person when the plane is at full capacity.
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Fuel type
Jet A fuel is a type of kerosene that meets specific standards for purity and composition. It has a freezing point of -40°C and a maximum viscosity of 8 mm²/s at 100°C. Jet A fuel is widely used in the United States and some other countries.
Jet A-1 fuel is also a kerosene-type aviation fuel but with a higher freezing point of -47°C. This type of fuel is commonly used in international flights and is the standard in many parts of the world outside the US.
The choice between Jet A and Jet A-1 depends on the aircraft's specifications and the region of operation. Both types of fuel have a low sulfur content, which is an important consideration for aviation fuel standards.
In addition to kerosene-based fuels, there are other types of aviation fuel in use. Gasoline, for example, was used in early jet airliners, but it is less efficient and has fallen out of favor due to its lower energy density. However, with advancements in engine technology, some smaller aircraft may still use gasoline or avgas (aviation gasoline).
Another type of aviation fuel is turboprop fuel, which is used in turboprop aircraft. These planes have propellers and operate at lower speeds, typically below 460 miles per hour. While they may have lower speed capabilities, turboprop airliners are more fuel-efficient than jet airliners.
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Fuel costs
The fuel consumption of an aircraft is typically measured in gallons per hour or litres per 100 kilometres per passenger. For example, the Airbus A380, one of the most fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft, consumes 4,600 gallons of fuel during a five-hour flight, totalling approximately 23,000 gallons. This equates to about 1.3 gallons per second or 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres per passenger. On the other hand, the Boeing 747 burns 18,000 gallons of fuel during a five-hour flight, which is about 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres per passenger.
Comparatively, a brand-new car has an average fuel efficiency of 35 miles per gallon, while a typical car gets about 25 miles per gallon. When considering the impact of the number of passengers, a full flight on a new plane travelling more than 500 miles can achieve over 100 miles per gallon per person. This highlights the improved fuel efficiency of air travel when compared to individual car travel.
To provide context, a flight from New York to Los Angeles, covering 2,797 miles, would consume 5,325 gallons of jet fuel. If this flight carried 200 passengers, it would equate to 27 gallons of fuel per person. However, if the same number of people drove from New York to Los Angeles in pairs, they would consume 56 gallons of fuel per person. This comparison demonstrates the fuel efficiency advantages of air travel over car travel for long-distance journeys.
While fuel efficiency calculations provide valuable insights, it is important to consider other factors such as load factors, seating density, and aircraft age. Additionally, with sustainability and climate change concerns, the focus on reducing CO2 emissions has led to the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft and the exploration of alternative fuels.
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Carbon emissions
Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive activities, contributing 2.5% of the world's carbon emissions. In 2019, aviation accounted for 2.5% of CO2 emissions from fossil sources and land use. This share has fluctuated between 2% and 2.5% since the mid-1990s but has increased since 2010. While aviation accounts for a relatively small share of global CO2 emissions, its overall contribution to climate change is higher. In addition to emitting CO2, planes also affect the concentration of other atmospheric gases and pollutants, such as ozone, methane, water vapour, soot, sulfur aerosols, and water contrails. These impacts can result in both warming and cooling effects on the climate.
The carbon emissions associated with flying have been increasing due to rising demand and technological improvements. Between 1990 and 2019, both passenger and freight demand quadrupled, with passengers travelling more than 8 trillion kilometres in 2019. During the same period, aviation became more than twice as energy efficient, with the carbon emitted per unit of energy remaining constant. As a result, the carbon efficiency of travelling one kilometre more than doubled. However, the gains in efficiency have only partially offset the emissions from increased demand, leading to an overall increase in aviation emissions.
The carbon emissions from flying vary depending on the type of aircraft, the distance travelled, and the number of passengers. For example, a single passenger on a domestic flight in Britain can lead to climate impacts equivalent to 254 grams of CO2 per kilometre travelled, while a long-haul flight can release 102 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In comparison, an intercity train releases the equivalent of 41 grams of CO2 per passenger mile, and travelling by coach releases even less, at 28 grams of CO2 per mile.
The disproportionate carbon footprint of flying is highlighted when compared to the average annual emissions of individuals in different countries. For instance, a short-haul return flight from London to Edinburgh emits more CO2 than the mean annual emissions of a person in Uganda or Somalia. Similarly, a return flight from London to San Francisco emits around 5.5 tonnes of CO2 per person, more than twice the emissions produced by a family car in a year.
Reducing the amount of air travel can be challenging, especially for those who travel regularly for business or enjoy holidays abroad. However, there are ways to minimise the carbon emissions associated with flying. Individuals can choose alternative modes of transport, such as trains or coaches, whenever possible, as these have a lower carbon footprint per mile compared to flying. Additionally, individuals can consider offsetting their carbon emissions by investing in renewable energy projects or tree-planting initiatives.
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Fuel requirements
The amount of fuel required to fly around the world can vary depending on several factors, including the type of aircraft, the number of passengers, the flight path, and weather conditions.
Let's consider the fuel requirements for a hypothetical around-the-world trip on a commonly used aircraft like the Boeing 747 or the Airbus A380. The Boeing 747 burns approximately 1 gallon of fuel per second, which equates to 18,000 gallons for a 5-hour flight. For a longer 10-hour flight, it may burn up to 36,000 gallons of fuel. On the other hand, the Airbus A380, which is more fuel-efficient, consumes around 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, totalling about 23,000 gallons for a 5-hour flight.
Now, for an around-the-world trip, we need to consider multiple flight segments, each with its own fuel requirements. Assuming a conservative estimate of 40,000 miles for an around-the-world trip, we can expect the Boeing 747 to burn approximately 5 gallons of fuel per mile, leading to a staggering 200,000 gallons of fuel for the entire trip. In contrast, the Airbus A380, with its higher fuel efficiency, may require slightly less fuel, but the total amount would still be substantial.
It's important to note that these estimates are based on the assumption of a non-stop flight. In reality, an around-the-world trip would involve multiple refuelling stops, as no current aircraft has sufficient range to fly non-stop around the globe. Additionally, the fuel requirements can be influenced by factors such as headwinds and aircraft payload.
When it comes to the type of fuel used, jet fuel, which is primarily kerosene-based, is the most common. Kerosene is preferred due to its higher flash point compared to gasoline, making it safer for aviation use. However, with the increasing focus on sustainability and climate change, there is a growing emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions and exploring alternative fuels.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel needed depends on several factors, including the type of aircraft, its weight, payload, engine efficiency, flight path, and weather conditions. For example, a Boeing 747 burns 1 gallon of fuel per second, totalling 18,000 gallons for a 5-hour flight. The Airbus A380, which is larger, consumes 4,600 gallons per hour, totalling 23,000 gallons for a 5-hour flight.
Fuel efficiency in aircraft is measured by transport energy efficiency. Higher efficiency can be achieved through improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, and enhanced engine performance. While aircraft capacity has improved over time, CO2 emissions remain a concern. In 2018, CO2 emissions from passenger transport reached 747 million tonnes, and emissions per passenger kilometre increased by 16% from 2005 to 2017 in Europe.
Flying is generally more fuel-efficient than driving a car for long-distance travel. For example, a flight from New York to Los Angeles would consume 5,325 gallons of jet fuel, while a car would use 112 gallons for the same distance. However, when comparing fuel consumption per person, a full flight can achieve over 100 mpg per person, while a car with two passengers would have a lower mpg per person.
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