A comparison of the environmental impact of turboprop and turbofan-powered aircraft

Purpose This study aims to examine turboprop- and turbofan-powered aircraft, with the same seating capacity flying on the same route and trajectory, and investigate their environmental effects. Design/methodology/approach The integrated aircraft noise and emissions modeling platform developed by EUROCONTROL is used for the calculation of fuel burn, CO 2 , H 2 O and other gas emissions (NO x , SO x , CO, HC, soot and other trace compounds) for the per phase of flight. Findings The striking findings are that turboprop-powered aircraft offer lower required thrust, fuel consumption and total emissions for a short-haul flight, but turbofan-powered aircraft have lower particulate matter, CO and HC emissions than turboprop-powered aircraft. This study suggests that turboprop-powered aircraft are superior to turbofan-powered aircraft in terms of environmental impact for a short-haul flight. Practical implications The current research conducts comprehensively fuel consumption and amounts of emissions aspects of turboprop- and turbofan-powered aircraft for sustainable development of airlines by a versatile simulation approach and sheds light on airlines intending to create fleets. Originality/value The research offers a systematic aircraft selection for investigators, scientists, airline operators, policy analysts and legislators, by a comprehensive computer simulation method that acknowledges consistently the fuel consumption and detailed emissions analysis of turboprop- and turbofan-powered aircraft.