As airlines become more carbon sensitive and embrace anything “Green”, it is useful to get a better comprehension of the carbon footprint generated. The key driver is the number 5.5 – each gallon of Jet-A burned generates 5.5 pounds of carbon. Using the US DoT T2 database, we can track the amount of fuel burned by airlines, flights, and aircraft plus seat counts. This allows for a metric that calculates carbon produced per seat/flight.
The first chart list5s the carbon per seat/flight in pounds from 2000 through 3Q21. We understand the T2 updates on the 15th so we will update the model through 2021 then. (If you’re reading this after April 15th, assume the model has been updated) The second chart lists the YoY percentage change. On both charts, a decline means lower carbon production. We note that overall the industry has reduced its carbon production levels as the fleet is renewed and fuel efficiency improves.
Click the type selector to split the industry then you can select an airline to see its specific numbers and trends. Since carbon production is a function of fuel burn, you expect to see airlines with younger fleets do better – i.e. United. A more detailed 15-page model for subscribers is being prepared for each airline and a few pages dedicated to the industry (i.e. Airbus, Boeing) to be tracked. As with all these models, please click the double-headed arrow at the bottom right to optimize your viewing.