The article in the url below is interesting because it takes a concept we take for granted (comparing fuel efficiency among different makes and models of cars) and applies it to an area of transportation we think less carefully about (fuel efficiency among different airlines).
In the case of cars, we measure miles per gallon. For airlines, the article argues the comparable measure is “how far one seat (occupied or not) can travel on one gallon of jet fuel”:
“And U.S. major airlines average about 64 mpg, according to calculations using Department of Transportation data for 2009. For each gallon of jet fuel, airlines could, on average, fly one seat 64 miles. That's better than your SUV or hybrid car, unless you pack lots of people into the car.”
http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/PJ-AW431_midsea_G_20100811210020.jpg
Perhaps it is not surprising that:
“The three worst major U.S. carriers for fuel efficiency happen to be the three biggest: Delta, American and United airlines. They fly the biggest planes, which aren't always more fuel efficient, and they have the oldest fleets.”
While, on the more positive side:
“Best in fuel economy: Alaska Airlines, jetBlue Airways and Continental Airlines, which all have fleets that average nine years of age or younger.”
The article also breaks down different mileages by plane make (i.e., Boeing or Airbus) and model, with the new Airbus A380 super-jumbo averaging “about 65 miles per gallon per seat.”
Take care
David
Bill Werther & David Chandler
Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility: Stakeholders in a Global Environment (2e)
© Sage Publications, 2011
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The Middle Seat: A Prius With Wings vs. a Guzzler in the Clouds
By Scott McCartney
1221 words
12 August 2010
D1
