Title: Analysis of fuel efficiency of largest European airlines in the context of climate change mitigation

Authors: Ticiano Costa Jordão

Addresses: Department of Environment Protection, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, 532 10 Pardubice, Czech Republic

Abstract: In recent years Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions released by aircraft engine and their contribution to climate change gained major importance among airlines operating across European Union member countries after the inclusion of the aviation sector in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). According to EU ETS, all intra-community flights became subject to GHG emission restrictions since the year 2012 with allocated annual carbon dioxide emission allowances that airlines will have to comply with. This research presents estimations of fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions among flight operations of aircraft used by largest European airlines in chosen flight routes of high daily passenger demand. Results show that some alternatives remain available for European airlines and some opportunities may emerge to reduce costs and increase revenues through enhanced engagement with air passengers towards a more environmentally friendly behaviour.

Keywords: aviation fuel; carbon emissions; CO2; carbon dioxide; climate change; greenhouse gases; GHG emissions; fuel efficiency; European airlines; aircraft engines; European Union Emissions Trading Scheme; EU ETS; fuel consumption; airline passengers; passenger engagement; environmentally friendly behaviour.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2016.076348

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2016 Vol.39 No.3/4, pp.253 - 270

Received: 07 May 2015
Accepted: 16 Dec 2015
Published online: 04 May 2016 *

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