Aviation Carbon Benchmarks

  • Calculates lifecycle CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometer (gCO2/RPK) across commercial narrowbody and widebody families.
  • Simulates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) drop-in blends from 10% to 100% using certified HEFA and PtL abatement curves.
  • Evaluates carrier fleet compliance against ICAO CORSIA baseline caps and EU ReFuelEU Aviation 2030-2050 targets.

Simulation Parameters

Calculated Emissions & Abatement

Passenger Carbon Intensity 62.4 gCO2/RPK Baseline Fossil Jet A-1: 78.0 gCO2
Net Flight CO2 Abatement -16.0% Reduced 4.2 Metric Tons Saved
Total Flight Fuel Burn 14,280 kg Estimated 5h 32m flight
Gross Lifecycle CO2 (Fossil) 45.1 Metric Tons 3.16 kg CO2 per kg Jet A-1

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Frequently Asked Questions

How is aviation carbon intensity calculated per passenger-kilometer (gCO2/RPK)? +

Carbon intensity measures grams of CO2 emitted per revenue passenger-kilometer (RPK). It is determined by dividing total block fuel burn (multiplied by the standard Jet A-1 conversion factor of 3.16 kg CO2 per kg fuel) by passenger capacity and route distance.

What is the lifecycle carbon reduction potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)? +

Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) and Power-to-Liquid (PtL) synthetic fuels can reduce net lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% to 90% compared to fossil kerosene, depending on feedstock provenance and renewable energy sources used in synthesis.

What are the ReFuelEU Aviation mandate targets for European commercial airlines? +

Under European Union ReFuelEU Aviation regulations, jet fuel suppliers at EU airports must incorporate a minimum of 2% SAF by 2025, rising to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and 70% by 2050, with dedicated sub-mandates for synthetic e-kerosene.