German airlines reduced average kerosene consumption to 3.32 litres per passenger per 100 kilometres in 2024, according to the Bundesverband der Deutschen Luftverkehrswirtschaft, or BDL. The figure extends a long-term decline from 3.44 litres in the previous comparable reporting period and 6.3 litres in 1990, driven by fleet modernisation and more efficient aircraft types across carriers including Lufthansa and Condor.
The industry association links the improvement to the replacement of older jets with newer models, which can cut fuel burn and CO2 emissions by up to 25 percent. Modern long-haul aircraft in the German fleet can operate at roughly 2.1 to 2.5 litres per passenger per 100 kilometres, depending on seating density.
The metric is closely watched in aviation sustainability reporting because it captures both technical progress and emissions intensity in day-to-day operations. For airlines, continued fleet renewal remains one of the most direct levers for lowering fuel burn, alongside operational efficiency gains and better aircraft utilisation.