Data in Brief: Comparative Life Cycle Evaluation of Alternative Fuels for a Futuristic Subsonic Long-Range Aircraft

Liquid hydrogen (LH2) and 100% synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK), or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), offer promising low-emission alternatives to conventional Jet-A fuel for long-distance flights—assuming they are produced through processes that support net-zero well-to-wake (WTWa) emissions. This study assesses the WTWa performance, including non-CO₂ effects, of a blended wing body aircraft designed to carry 300 passengers over a range of 13,890 km, using either LH2 or 100% SPK. The analysis quantifies emissions during the operational phase and evaluates fuel production impacts using the GREET model. Results from over 100 fuel production pathways show that LH2 can deliver net-zero or even negative WTWa CO₂-equivalent emissions when derived from biomass or produced via integrated fermentation combined with carbon capture and storage. Non-CO₂ emissions are found to be a major contributor to overall climate impacts. Using miscanthus as a feedstock, 100% SPK reduces WTWa CO₂-equivalent emissions by 70–85% relative to Jet-A. A high-level supply assessment suggests that by 2050, production of SAF and hydrogen could satisfy the energy needs of long-haul aviation, assuming a 4% annual increase in air traffic and widespread adoption of these alternative fuels. These findings offer valuable direction for future research, cost assessments, and policy-making aimed at enabling sustainable long-haul air travel.