ADS-B Data Reveals Longer Ground Times for EU LCCs

Here's another analysis using ADS-B data, which tracks total ground time (TGT). This analysis examines three EU airlines: Ryanair (and its subsidiaries), easyJet (and its subsidiaries), and Wizz Air (and its subsidiaries). These three are the pinnacle of EU LCCs. Low cost and focused on extracting efficiencies at every opportunity. We are going to show you a wrinkle that you may not have seen before. And it's all thanks to ADS-B data, the best and probably only source that can provide this evidence. The wrinkle focuses on the previous generation engines compared to the latest generation. The specific engines we are looking at power the 737 and A320 families. We have been watching the new generation engines for some time, but we have never had this level of information before. New-generation engines operate at higher temperatures and pressures. That is what gives them better fuel burn. But the other side of this is that these engines need more time to warm up and cool down. As you know, time and weight are things that airlines dislike. Every pound or minute saved translates into cash saved. The Data This table lists the median TGT for the airlines by aircraft type. The reporting period is for a random period in 2024. [caption id="attachment_94224" align="aligncenter" width="759"] ADS-B; AirInsight[/caption] The table shows some fascinating data. Ryanair's MAX cost it an extra four minutes of TGT. The MAX 8 used is the one with more seating (MAX 8-200). Still, that's a lot of time lost. Wizz sees a one-minute lower TGT for the A320neo than the A320ceo. But the A321neo takes six minutes more than the A321ceo. easyJet's A320neo uses five minutes more TGT than the A320ceo. The A321neo takes 13 minutes more than the A320neo. The difference between the aircraft (737-800 to MAX 8-200 excluded) lies in the new engines. The data suggest that operators are using around five minutes more TGT with the newer engines. Based on US LCC costs, each minute should be worth close to $100. At 500 flights per day, that adds up fast. Engine TGT The analysis brings us to the following table. [caption id="attachment_94230" align="aligncenter" width="285"] ADS-B; AirInsight[/caption] Pratt & Whitney engines - the GTF uses six minutes more TGT than the V2500. CFM engines - the LEAP uses 10 minutes more TGT than the CFM56. Summary The engine makers will be annoyed with the results we are publishing. Not much we can do about that. Airlines will not like the TGT times. Airlines are in denial about how much time their aircraft spend on the ground. The data suggests that these LCCs do not have as quick turnaround times as they claim. We conclude that, once again, ADS-B is a marvelous source of airline operational data.

US Flight Planner - US DoT On-Time Data	Airbus vs Boeing - Official OEM Data
US Airline Schedule Performance - US DoT Data	Daily OEM Production & Deliveries -

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