Do airplanes use gasoline or diesel?
2 Answers
Airplanes use kerosene, and the reasons are as follows: 1. Kerosene has better stability than gasoline: Kerosene is not as flammable as gasoline, and since temperatures at high altitudes are relatively low, kerosene can adapt well to the combustion environment. 2. Many modern jet aircraft use turbine engines: The advantage of kerosene is that it can burn completely without easily producing carbon deposits, ensuring ample power and good stability. In contrast, high-quality diesel fuel typically has high cleanliness, which can damage the metal components of the aircraft. Therefore, airplanes generally do not use diesel but instead rely on kerosene.
When discussing aircraft fuel in aviation topics, we always need to distinguish between aircraft types. Small propeller planes, like the training Cessnas, commonly use aviation gasoline (avgas), which is somewhat similar to automotive gasoline but purer and contains lead, optimized for piston engines to ensure stability at high temperatures. However, large jet airliners like the Boeing 747 are different—they almost exclusively rely on jet fuel (Jet A or A-1), which is neither gasoline nor diesel. Jet fuel has a higher flash point and energy density, offering efficient combustion and resistance to freezing at high altitudes, ensuring safe long-distance flights. Diesel is rarely used in aircraft because jet engines are not designed for it, leading to lower efficiency and potential engine issues. Historically, avgas was used in the piston-engine era, but jet fuel became the industry standard due to its cost-effectiveness and widespread availability. Today, aircraft manufacturers are exploring new fuels, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), made from waste oils, which can significantly reduce carbon emissions. This makes air travel more reassuring for us.
