How much fuel does a Boeing 747 use per hour?

Fuel Consumption of a Boeing 747: A Comprehensive Overview

The Boeing 747, an iconic jumbo jet, has been a mainstay in commercial aviation for decades. Its massive size and long range make it an efficient aircraft for transporting large numbers of passengers and cargo. However, this size and performance come at a cost: significant fuel consumption.

Factors Affecting Fuel Consumption

The amount of fuel a Boeing 747 consumes per hour depends on several factors, including:

• Size and weight: Larger and heavier aircraft require more fuel to overcome drag and maintain altitude.
• Engine efficiency: Technological advancements in engine design have led to more fuel-efficient engines, reducing consumption.
• Flight conditions: External factors such as wind speed, altitude, and temperature can impact fuel efficiency.
• Passenger load: The number of passengers and cargo onboard affects the weight of the aircraft and, consequently, fuel consumption.
• Operational procedures: Pilot techniques, such as optimized takeoff and landing profiles, can minimize fuel usage.

Fuel Consumption Rates

According to data from Boeing, the 747-400, one of the most common variants of the 747, consumes approximately:

• At takeoff: 1,500-2,000 gallons of jet fuel per hour (5,678-7,571 liters/hour)
• During cruise: 400-550 gallons of jet fuel per hour (1,514-2,082 liters/hour)
• At landing: 1,000-1,500 gallons of jet fuel per hour (3,785-5,678 liters/hour)

Comparison with Smaller Aircraft

Smaller aircraft, such as the Boeing 737-800, consume significantly less fuel. The 737-800 requires approximately:

• At takeoff: 600-800 gallons of jet fuel per hour (2,271-3,028 liters/hour)
• During cruise: 150-250 gallons of jet fuel per hour (568-946 liters/hour)
• At landing: 500-700 gallons of jet fuel per hour (1,893-2,650 liters/hour)

Implications for Airlines

The fuel consumption of commercial aircraft is a major concern for airlines, as it affects operating costs and profitability. Airlines strive to optimize fuel efficiency through technological improvements, operational procedures, and partnerships with fuel suppliers.

Conclusion

The Boeing 747 is a highly efficient aircraft for long-range passenger and cargo transport, but it consumes a significant amount of fuel. Factors such as aircraft size, engine efficiency, flight conditions, and passenger load impact fuel consumption. By optimizing these factors, airlines can minimize fuel usage and reduce operating costs.