At first glance, the answer seems obvious: a 747 uses 1 US gallon (~3.79 litres) of fuel per second — 5 US gallons per mile — 36,000 US gallons (150,000 liters) in a 10 hour flight — case closed. However, there is much more to be considered, including:
• number of passengers — cars typically have only one passenger, whereas a 747 can accommodate up to 660.
• efficiency varies between car & aircraft propulsion method, model & configuration, & even driving style.
Green Car Reports takes a look:
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1089680_which-is-greener-flying-or-driving-to-your-destination / transport methods method truly green input fuel generate energy required move flying fly amount amounts fuel aircraft burn through worse than cars better cross-country cross country University of Michigan Transport Research Institute report looking scenario surprising conclusion for the most part main mainly greener to fly than drive car cars more efficient means moving people about average fuel economy light duty light-duty vehicles increase efficiency around 50 percent average passenger numbers would need to double report making driving less energy intensive than flying author Michael Sivak analyzes analyse analyze analyses amount energy needed transport person USA U.S.A U.S. given distance EV electric vehicle scheduled airline flight automobiles automobile generally become more efficient airline industry leapfrogged road transport green greenest moving people about Popular Mechanics table report energy intensities intensity flying less energy-intensive energy intensive current fuel economy fleet of light-duty vehicles increase 21.5 mpg to 33.8 mpg average passenger numbers trip passenger passengers /
