Aviation propulsion: Overview
How a spinning fan turns kerosene into flight
What this tile covers Jet, turboprop and helicopter engines burning jet fuel or SAF. Share of use 3.5% share of final energy use (2019)Share of world total final energy consumption (about 435 EJ, calculated: motor systems 13,462 TWh are 53% of electricity, so about 25,400 TWh or 91 EJ, and electricity is about 21% of final energy) that passes through this device or is used by this sector, latest year available. Electricity-based devices use electricity's 21% share of final energy (IEA WEO 2025). Overlaps between devices and sectors are allowed and noted. Aviation used 8.6% of final oil, and oil was 40.4% of final energy in 2019, about 3.5% (calculated). Cross-check: about 13.5 EJ of jet fuel against roughly 435 EJ is 3.1%. Overlaps gas turbines. Source: Key World Energy Statistics 2021, International Energy Agency.
Key facts
| Chain | Chemical (jet fuel) → heat → kinetic (thrust) |
Included from the reference tables
- Jet aircraft
- Turboprop and helicopter
Linked to the material world
HVO Renewable diesel and SAFNi NickelTi TitaniumAlso in Transport systems
ICV Combustion road vehiclesEV Electric and hybrid vehiclesRail Rail tractionShp Ship propulsionRkt Rockets and human powerExplore paths from here
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