Turbofan LTO Fuel Cost and NOx under Indian and US Price Scenarios

Abstract

This study examines fuel expenditure associated with differences in turbofan oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions during the reference landing-and-take-off (LTO) cycle. The March 2026 ICAO Aircraft Engine Emissions Databank supplied 504 eligible records. Matching manufacturer, model, rated thrust and test-engine category, while retaining distinct documented combustors, yielded 52 comparisons involving 77 records. Fuel expenditure was calculated using quotes for four Indian cities, US Gulf Coast spot prices and dated INR/USD rates from April 2024 to April 2026, assuming a fuel density of 0.800 kg/L. Lower reported NOx coincided with lower fuel use in 26 comparisons, equal fuel use in 18 and higher fuel use in eight. Reconstruction from mode-level data changed five classifications. An illustrative historical PW4164 contrast combined 55 kg more fuel with 5.082 kg less NOx per LTO. Mean additional expenditure per kilogram of lower NOx was USD 8.01 under US quotes and USD 13.69–15.23 across Indian city quotes. Different commercial price bases limit direct country comparisons. These results support reference-cycle accounting and show sensitivity to source reconstruction, without establishing a general fuel-cost penalty from NOx reduction.