When the NEO and MAX were announced, the engine OEMs (CFM, Pratt & Whitney) promised improvements of over 15%. And they delivered. What is odd, though, is that the engine makers are making less fuss than they might. After all, they delivered and then some, especially on the larger single-aisles.
Two charts demonstrate the improved fuel burn numbers based on Skailark’s excellent data through 1Q24. These numbers are broadly similar to those found using the DoT data. Skailark’s data covers many more airlines and offers deeper data with which to work.
Airbus went from CEO to NEO. The percentage improvements are for 2024; the trend toward better fuel burn is clear.
Boeing went from NG to MAX. The chart and table highlights show the disruptions. Calculating improvements is more complex.
We estimate the MAX 8 in 2024 delivers 16.7% better fuel burn than the 800NG. We estimate the MAX 9 delivers 21.4% better fuel burn than the 900ER.
