A study on reducing fuel uplift for fuel-efficient flight operations by LCCs and new airlines

Abstract

Fuel-efficient flight operation provides airlines with significant competitive edge. Fuel savings in flight can be done by reducing the total aircraft weight. This study investigates the possibility of reducing the amount of discretionary fuel loaded onto aircraft while maintaining the proper safety margin for the flight based on a statistical analysis with empirical data. We found that the data were appropriate for a lognormal distribution. This study adopted a fuel shortage probability standard of less than 5%, according the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendation. We were able to estimate a reasonable quantity of fuel load from this study. According to our data analysis, airlines can save a significant amount of fuel consumption by reducing discretionary fuel. The results of the study may contribute to fuel savings by reducing discretionary fuel loading for aircraft, hence lowering fuel costs for the airlines without internal fuel management system.