We have updated our US airline carbon model with the DoT’s updated T2 dataset. Remember to click the double-headed arrow at the bottom right of the model to optimize viewing.
The model uses total payload as the denominator to fuel burn, as this is a better emissions tracker. This approach allows twin-aisle aircraft carrying considerable belly cargo to benefit from the total payload per fuel burn. If we focused only on passengers, twin aisles show numbers that do not reflect the belly payload.
Notes:
- The T2 data is preliminary, regardless of what the DoT says. Airlines routinely make erroneous filings. We are working on this.
- The CRJ550 looks “bad” among regional jets because it has relatively few seats. But it is probably the most comfortable of all the RJs.
- Among single-aisles, the MAX9 continues to lead the pack as the “best” in carbon emission terms.
- The poor ranking of the MAX8 is directly related to data errors at Southwest Airlines. They know about it and haven’t fixed it. The impact of these data errors trickles into poorer numbers for Boeing.
- Spirit has also been filing poor data on their A320neos. We advised them about it and ignored the notification. The Spirit problem also trickles into poorer numbers for the Pratt & Whitney GTF – as if that company needs more bad news.
- And DoT? They remain in denial about poor data quality. Yes, it is frustrating.
- Among twin aisles, the 787-10 remains #1, with the 787-9 at #2. For Airbus, if we do these tables in passengers rather than the total payload, the A330-900 beats the A350-900. But total payload is a fairer number to use.
- Why the better numbers for the A330-300 over the A330-900? We believe there’s an engine issue on the NEO – we hear rumors that Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 is running derated. Roll-Royce is working through some challenges.
- Anecdotally, your correspondent flew an A350-900 from CPT-ATL. The flight was delayed by an hour for weight and balance calculations – at sea level on a state of art aircraft! Are those Trents also being throttled back? (Asking for a friend)
The other pages on the model provide additional views on the US airline fleet you may find illuminating.
