Aviation Association: Kerosene Consumption per Passenger on Long-Haul Routes Continues to Decline

Why the Range Is So Wide

The international comparison also looks favorable: the consumption figures cited are well below those of older aircraft generations, which in some cases required more than four liters per passenger and 100 kilometers. The BDL views this as evidence that fleet modernization has measurable effects on the energy efficiency of air travel.

Joachim Lang, Chief Executive of the BDL, had repeatedly pointed to the importance of technological efficiency gains in earlier statements. The association also points to comparable developments at European competitors such as Air France-KLM, whose fleets are likewise being modernized.

At the same time, environmental organizations such as Atmosfair point out that per-capita consumption must not be confused with the absolute emissions of air travel. A falling per-capita figure combined with a rising total number of passengers can still increase the industry's overall emissions, critics emphasize.

Criticism from Environmental Groups

The BDL responds that, alongside efficiency gains, the industry is also relying on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and new propulsion technologies. Both paths are necessary to achieve the climate targets in aviation.

For travelers, the development initially means no direct changes: per-capita efficiency generally does not feed through into ticket prices in the short term. In the medium to long term, however, the association expects consumption figures to continue falling, as airlines receive additional new aircraft deliveries and retire older models.

What This Means for Travelers

The association also points out that the figures can vary depending on route, payload, and weather conditions. The range cited therefore represents an average for modern long-haul types under typical operating conditions.

Industry observers see the development as a positive trend, but stress that the efficiency gains need to be flanked by sustainable fuels and political framework conditions in order to achieve an effective reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, the association's figures paint a picture of an industry that is steadily improving its energy efficiency per passenger – against the backdrop of growing passenger volumes and an ongoing public debate about the climate footprint of flying.