Fuel consumption optimization in air transport: a review, classification, critique, simple meta-analysis, and future research implications

Abstract

Objective This paper presents a review, classification schemes, critique, a simple meta-analysis and future research implication of fuel consumption optimization (FCO) literature in the air transport sector. This review is based on 277 articles published in various publication outlets between 1973 and 2014. Methodology A review of 277 articles related to the FCO in air transport was carried out. It provides an academic database of literature between the periods of 1973-2014 covering 69 journals and proposes a classification scheme to classify the articles. Twelve hundred of articles were identified and reviewed for their direct relevance to the FCO in air transport. Two hundred seventy seven articles were subsequently selected, reviewed and classified. Each of the 277 selected articles was categorized on four FCO dimensions (Aircraft technology & design, aviation operations & infrastructure, socioeconomic & policy measures, and alternate fuels & fuel properties). The articles were further classified into six categories of FCO research methodologies (analytical -conceptual, mathematical, statistical, and empirical-experimental, statistical, and case studies) and optimization techniques (linear programming, mixed integer programming, dynamic programming, gradient based algorithms, simulation modeling, and nature based algorithms). In addition, a simple meta-analysis was also carried out to enhance understanding of the development and evolution of research in the FCO. Findings and conclusions This has resulted in the identification of 277 articles from 69 journals by year of publication, journal, and topic area based on the two classification schemes related to FCO research, published between, 1973 to December-2014. In addition, the study has identified the 4 dimensions and 98 decision variables affecting the fuel consumption. Also, this study has explained the six categories of FCO research methodologies (analytical -conceptual, mathematical, statistical, and empirical-experimental, statistical, and case studies) and optimization techniques (linear programming, mixed integer programming, dynamic programming, gradient based algorithms, simulation modeling, and nature based algorithms). The findings of this study indicate that the analytical-mathematical research methodologies represent the 47 % of FCO research. The results show that there is an increasing trend in research of the FCO. It is observed that the number of published articles between the period 1973 and 2000 is less (90 articles), so we can say that there are 187 articles which appeared in various journals and other publication sources in the area of FCO since 2000. Furthermore there is increased trend in research on FCO from 2000 onward. This is due to the fact that continuously new researchers are commencing their research activities in FCO research. This shows clearly that FCO research is a current research area among many research groups across the world. Lastly, the prices of jet fuel have significantly increased since the 2005. The aviatio...

Analyzing the moderating effects of respondent type and experience on the fuel efficiency improvement in air transport using structural equation modeling

“…Engine efficiencies were expressed in term of engine thrust specific fuel consumption (TSFC), lower value of TSFC result in better fuel efficiency [4,25]. Aerodynamic efficiencies were evaluated in term of lift/drag (L/D) ratio [74]; higher value of lift/drag ratio can result in improved fuel efficiency. Structural efficiencies were assessed in term of ratio of operating empty weight (OEW) to maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) [4,73].…”

“…Hence, based on past studies, we tried to balance several factors when selecting AFP measures. The AFP parameters including fuel availability, net calorific value, energy density, aromatic content, carbon content, thermal stability, and flash point [7,8,33,41,73,74] were shown to influence fuel efficiency, and hence were incorporated in the current study.…”

“…Based on past studies, we tried to balance several factors when selecting SEP measures. The SEP parameters including social demand, fuel cost, voluntary measures, demand shift, passenger load factor, charging carbon emission, and taxing aviation fuel [12,46,52,68,69,72,74] were shown to influence fuel efficiency, and hence were incorporated in the current study.…”

“…Fuel efficiency of transport aircrafts mainly depends upon two main factors i.e., technology & design, and aircrafts operations [4,51]. Further, aircraft technology & design depends upon the engine efficiency, aerodynamic efficiency, and structural efficiency, while the aircraft operations relies on ground efficiencies, and airborne efficiencies [4,73,74]. In case of aircraft technology & design, aerodynamic features such as blended wing body (BWB), flying wing, higher aspect ratios, and engines with higher bypass ratios are installed on modern jets to improve the fuel efficiency [1].…”

“…Zou et al [83] used ratio based, deterministic and stochastic frontier approaches to investigate fuel efficiency of transport aircrafts, and the results showed that potential cost savings of airlines. Singh and Sharma [74] explored the aircraft technology, operations, alternative fuels, socio-economic measures, and infrastructural factors for fuel efficiency improvement. Chandra et al [13] compared fuel efficiencies of selected airlines around the globe, and results found that, the average fuel efficiency of the airlines reported was is 0.4 L/ RTK (revenue tonne kilometer), respectively.…”