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A jetBlue Airbus being fueled. jetBlue Airways is on the forefront of investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft. Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund.
Aviation runs on fuel. For most aircraft operators, fuel happens to be one of the biggest expenses. The fuel burned in aviation also contributes to global warming which is another reason that airlines, flight schools, and cargo companies are interested in reducing fuel emissions. The following five steps are the future of sustainability efforts in aviation.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
SAF is one of the newest advancements in progressing aviation sustainability. Traditional jet fuel is comprised out of fossil fuels. SAF is a biofuel derived from organic waste. Today, 10-50% SAF is blended with traditional jet fuel. According to the International Air Transport Association, SAF reduces total emissions by 80%. Many business aviation operators have begun utilizing SAF as well as some airlines. Airports are working on making SAF more widely available, which is one of the biggest obstacles for SAF implementation.
Fuel efficient aircraft
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for aircraft operators. Not only does reducing fuel burn save money, but it also is better for the environment. The Airbus 220 is one of the most fuel-efficient passenger jets on the market. Many air carriers are beginning to integrate the Airbus 220 into their fleets and route structures. In addition, airlines are investing in Airbus 320s and 321s with neo engines. The neo engines are far more fuel efficient compared to the engines previously used on the Airbus 320 fleet. While fuel efficient aircraft are being integrated into fleets, inefficient, fuel-guzzling aircraft are in the process of being retired.
Single engine taxi
A great way pilots can help reduce emissions is by taxiing single engine. Especially at busy airports where there is a line for takeoff or when the departure runway is on the other side of the airfield, pilots can delay starting up the second engine until a few minutes before departure. The same goes for taxiing after landing at a destination. Pilots can shut down an engine to reduce the fuel burned during taxi.
Minimize APU usage
The auxiliary power unit (APU) is a small engine located on the rear of many jet aircraft that burns fuel to supply starting capabilities to the engines, power, and air conditioning to the aircraft cabin. The APU can be shut down when the aircraft is parked at the gate. Typically, the ground crew will hook up ground power and an air conditioning cart to the aircraft so that the APU can be shut down and jet fuel usage can be reduced while the aircraft is awaiting its next flight. During taxi, it is best to shut the APU down immediately after starting the engine or engines. This will help reduce fuel burn. When taxiing back to the ramp or a gate, pilots can taxi single engine with the APU off to assist in the reduced fuel burn.
Fuel-efficient cruise speeds and altitudes
When flying with a tailwind, pilots and dispatchers want to cruise at the altitude with the strongest tailwinds. The opposite for a headwind, the aircraft should cruise at the altitude with the slowest headwinds to help reduce the time spent en route, which would decrease fuel use. Typically, the higher a plane flies, the less fuel that is used. It is best to find the altitude that provides the least fuel burn given the winds and other factors. Cruising at slower speeds also assists in a reduction in fuel burn. Finding the speed that optimizes efficiency when it comes to time en route and fuel burn is best.
Aircraft operators have many reasons to reduce fuel use across operations. The financial savings and sustainability efforts are the two prominent reasons. There are many different ways for companies to accomplish fuel reduction. Conscientious pilots are a great place to start. Pilots can significantly reduce fuel use by using the APU less, flying at speeds that optimize efficiency, and taxiing single engine more frequently. Operators can give pilots incentives to help reach sustainability goals, transition to more fuel-efficient aircraft, and use SAF more often in the operation.