Dr Ian Robert McAndrew

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Worldwide 5600 Clyde Morris Blvd, FL32112 United States

E-mail: McAnd4f1@erau.edu

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
M.Sc. in Manufacturing Engineering
MA in Education Management
Post-Graduate Diploma in Education Management
B.Sc.(Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
B.A. in Production Engineering

Commercial Aircraft produce significant amounts of CO2 emissions every time they fly and the heavier the take-off weight the greater the emissions produced. Manufacturers of engines have constantly tried to reduce pollution and CO2 to meet international and government targets but also to reduce the operational costs for the operators. Modern aircraft engines are now more reliable and efficient; however, measuring efficiency is not an easy task. Classically, the efficiency is measured when in level flight at cruising altitude and when the journey times in level flight are considerably longer than the take-off and landing. Thrust and hence power depends on the weight of the aircraft. In this paper the economic implications for Low Cost Carriers, LCC, that fly short routes is investigated. A comparison is made between flying with the minimum fuel for each flight and comparing with flights that refuel fully when at airports with lower fuel costs. The results and differences from the research are presented to show that changes will probably increase the turn-around time between flights and add operating cost; however, this will decreases the CO2 emissions. A balanced approach is suggested that will assist in reducing CO2levels but do not add unreasonable on costs the operator and ultimately the passenger.