Aeroplane Fuel
Aviation fuel, a blend of synthetic and petroleum properties, powers airplanes with variants like Jet-A and Avgas. Jet-A is used in commercial jetliners, while Avgas fuels smaller piston-engine aircraft. The choice of fuel depends on the aircraft's engine type and performance requirements.
Aviation Fuel Prices
Domestic Airlines
The ATF prices across the metros in India are mentioned in the table below:
City | Prices per KI |
Chennai | Rs.1,22,220.59 |
Mumbai | Rs.1,16,505.24 |
Kolkata | Rs.1,24,359.83 |
Delhi | Rs.1,17,587.64 |
International Run (Domestic Airlines)
City | Prices per KI |
Chennai | $1,079.65 |
Mumbai | $1,081.05 |
Kolkata | $1,123.10 |
Delhi | $1,084.19 |
The above-mentioned rates are applicable from 1 December 2022.
Airplane Fuel – Consumption
The amount of fuel that will be consumed will depend on the fuel type, the distance that is covered, and the size of the flight. For example, the Boeing 747 will consume 12 litres of fuel for every kilometre in case the seating capacity is around 568. The A321 neo will consume around 4.18 litres for every kilometre if the seating capacity is around 192.
Advantage of Jet Fuel over Gases
Some of the main reasons why kerosene or jet fuel is used are mentioned below:
- Cost-Effective: When compared to other fuels, kerosene is much cheaper. Since fuel consumption is high, using jet fuel will be cost-effective.
- Flash Point: The flash point of jet fuel is high, therefore, greater power can be achieved during flights.
- Viscosity: The viscosity of jet fuel is low. Since the viscosity is low, the freezing point is low as well.
- Freezing Point: The freezing point of jet fuel is low when compared to other fuels. This provides protection against freezing temperatures.
Types of Aircraft Fuel
The different types of aeroplane fuels that are available are mentioned below:
AVGAS
AVGAS is used in aeroplanes that come with a small engine. Usually, private pilots, flying clubs, and training jets use such engines. The two types of AVGAS that are available are AVGAS 100LL and AVGAS 100. The octane rating is denoted by the number.
The presence of tetraethyl lead is low in AVGAS 100LL, while the presence of the lead is higher in AVGAS 100. AVGAS 100 is green in colour, while AVGAS 100LL is blue in colour.
Kerosene or Jet Fuel
Jet fuel is used in aeroplanes that come with jet engines, turboprops, and turbine engines. The two types of jet fuels that are available are Jet A1 and Jet A.
In the United States, Jet A is used, while the rest of the world uses Jet A1. Jet A does not come with static dissipater additives, while Jet A1 has them. The freezing point of Jet A is -40 degree Celsius, while the freezing point of Jet A1 is -47 degree Celsius.
FAQs on Aeroplane Fuel
- What type of fuel do airplanes use?
Commercial airplanes primarily use jet fuel, specifically Jet-A or Jet-A1, which is a type of aviation turbine fuel (ATF). This fuel is a kerosene-based product designed to work in turbine engines.
- What is the difference between Jet-A and Jet-A1?
Jet-A is mainly used in the United States, while Jet-A1 is used globally. The main difference is the freezing point; Jet-A has a freezing point of -40°C, while Jet-A1 has a lower freezing point of -47°C, making it suitable for colder climates.
- Do all airplanes use jet fuel?
No, not all airplanes use jet fuel. Small, private airplanes or those with piston engines typically use aviation gasoline (avgas), such as 100LL (low lead). These are typically smaller aircraft, such as light propeller-driven planes.
- Can jet fuel be used in all types of aircraft?
Jet fuel is suitable for turbine-engine airplanes, including commercial jets and military aircraft. It cannot be used in piston-engine planes that require aviation gasoline.
- Is aviation fuel different from regular gasoline?
Yes, aviation fuel is specially formulated for the unique requirements of aircraft engines. Jet fuel is refined to withstand higher altitudes and temperatures, whereas regular gasoline is designed for use in automobile engines, not aircraft engines.
- How is jet fuel stored at airports?
Jet fuel is stored in large underground tanks at airports and transported to planes via pipelines, fuel trucks, or hydrant systems. It’s essential to keep it free of contaminants to ensure the safety and efficiency of the aircraft.
- What is the cost of aviation fuel?
The cost of aviation fuel varies depending on the location, market conditions, and type of fuel. Typically, jet fuel is less expensive than aviation gasoline used for smaller aircraft. Fuel prices fluctuate and are influenced by global oil prices.
- Are there any alternative fuels used in aviation?
Yes, there is ongoing research into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which can be derived from renewable sources like algae, biomass, or waste oils. SAF is designed to reduce the carbon footprint of flying. Some airlines have started using SAF in limited quantities, but it is not yet widely available.
- Why is jet fuel used instead of gasoline?
Jet fuel is used because it is designed for high-altitude, high-speed flight and provides the necessary energy density and performance for turbine engines. It also has a much higher flash point and is less flammable than gasoline, which makes it safer for use in aviation.
- Can jet engines run on any type of fuel?
No, jet engines are designed to run on specific types of fuel like Jet-A, Jet-A1, or sometimes even military-grade fuels like JP-8. Using the wrong fuel could damage the engine or cause operational issues.
- What is the environmental impact of aviation fuel?
Aviation fuel contributes to carbon emissions during combustion, which is a significant factor in global climate change. However, efforts to develop sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and more fuel-efficient technologies are helping reduce the environmental impact of aviation.
- How do aircraft fuel systems work?
Aircraft fuel systems are complex, involving tanks, pumps, filters, and valves. Fuel is pumped from the fuel tanks to the engines, where it is mixed with air and combusted to produce thrust. The system also includes monitoring devices to ensure fuel is delivered safely and efficiently.
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