You can fuel a Boeing 737 in about 23 minutes using one truck, but larger planes like the 747 take 45 to 120 minutes depending on fuel load and equipment. The 747’s much larger capacity, complex tank layout, and need for fuel balancing slow things down. Using two trucks helps, but doesn’t halve the time due to coordination limits. Fueling also slows as tanks fill because of valve sequencing and pressure changes—there’s more to how airlines optimize this efficiently.
TLDR
- Fueling time varies by aircraft size, with a Boeing 737 taking about 23 minutes to fill from empty using one truck.
- Larger planes like the 747 can take 45–120 minutes due to higher fuel capacity and complex tank configurations.
- Using dual fuel trucks can reduce time, but diminishing returns occur due to coordination and system limits.
- Fuel flow slows near the end as valves close sequentially to prevent overflow and maintain balance.
- Hydrant systems at major airports speed up fueling by providing continuous high-flow fuel without truck refills.
How Long Does It Take to Fuel a Boeing 737?
Refueling a Boeing 737 doesn’t have to take long—using a single fuel truck, you can fill the aircraft from empty in about 23 minutes.
You’ll typically top up from 20% to 90% capacity, not start from zero.
With one truck supplying 600 gallons per minute, you’re fueled and ready quickly.
Need it faster? Add a second truck and cut time dramatically.
This efficiency is possible because modern airports often use high-pressure sealed delivery systems that maximize flow rates.
Ground crews and pump performance also affect turnaround times, so experienced teams can complete refuels even more quickly when operations run smoothly ground handling.
How Long Does It Take to Fuel a Boeing 747?
Fill up a Boeing 747, and you’re dealing with some serious fuel volume—especially on extended-range models like the 747-400ER, which can hold up to 241,149 liters (63,705 US gallons).
Refueling takes about 90 to 120 minutes, depending on ground crew efficiency, equipment speed, and fuel load. High-capacity systems help, but large volumes mean longer fill times than smaller jets. Modern fueling systems like hydrant carts and refueling trucks can speed up large transfers, particularly when high-capacity systems and experienced crews are used.
Why Do 747s Take Longer to Refuel Than 737s?
While both the Boeing 747 and 737 rely on efficient ground operations, you’ll notice the 747 takes markedly longer to refuel—mainly because it holds about eight times more fuel than the 737.
You’ll also face more complex tank configurations, sequential filling steps, and balancing needs. Even with multiple hoses and higher flow rates, the sheer volume and operational demands extend 747 refueling to 45–90 minutes, far beyond the 737’s 15–30. Heavy aircraft produce significant wake turbulence that affects ground and flight operations.
Does Using Two Fuel Trucks Halve Refueling Time?
You might think two fuel trucks would cut refueling time in half, but it’s not that simple.
While using two dual-hose trucks doubles the flow rate to 4,540 liters per minute, other factors like hose positioning, fuel system limits, and truck coordination keep time reductions from being perfectly proportional.
Even with more trucks, large planes like the 747-8 still take around 52 minutes, showing diminishing returns in real-world operations.
Law enforcement and emergency operations sometimes affect ramp access and scheduling, which can further influence turnaround times police helicopters.
Dual Trucks, Half Time?
Envision this: two fuel trucks pulling up to a Boeing 747-8, hoses ready, engines idling—could this setup really cut refueling time in half compared to using just one? Yes, it can.
With dual trucks supplying 4,540 liters per minute, you slash pumping time to about 52 minutes. Doubling the hoses means doubling the flow, and that means faster turnarounds—simple math, real results.
Diminishing Returns Explained
Although adding a second fuel truck increases flow rates markedly, it doesn’t always halve refueling time due to operational constraints.
You’ll see faster fills—1200 GPM with dual trucks—but aircraft like the 747-8 still take 52 minutes from empty.
Wing access, fuel volume, and turnaround schedules limit gains.
Even at 600 GPM per truck, physics and logistics mean doubling equipment doesn’t double speed.
Hydrant vs. Truck Fueling: Which Is Faster?
When it comes to refueling aircraft quickly, hydrant systems generally outpace fuel trucks, especially at large, busy airports.
You’ll save time with hydrants since they deliver fuel continuously through underground pipes, avoiding truck reloads.
Dispensers connect directly to the apron, offering high flow rates without repositioning.
Trucks, while flexible, need multiple units and refills, slowing things down.
Hydrant systems also reduce turnaround delays by supplying fuel at high flow rates compared with individual trucks.
Why Does Fueling Speed Drop as Tanks Fill?
You’ll notice fueling slows down as the tanks get fuller because the pressure difference between the fuel source and the aircraft decreases.
As the tank fills, valves start closing in sequence to manage the flow and prevent overflow, further reducing the pumping speed. This tapered flow guarantees safety and accuracy, especially during the final stages of refueling. Fuel quality also matters and is monitored because contaminants like microbial contamination can form sludge and affect operations.
Tapered Flow Rates
Fueling a plane isn’t always a steady, constant process—instead, the flow rate often tapers off as the tanks fill, and pressure behavior plays a key role in this shift.
As fuel rises, air pressure in the tank builds, resisting incoming fuel. Modern systems adjust flow automatically, maintaining efficiency while preventing overflow, ensuring a smooth, controlled fill from start to finish.
Valve Closure Sequence
Close the right wing shut-off valve first, and you’ll trigger a carefully timed sequence that shapes the final phase of aircraft refueling.
Then, the left wing valve closes, with steady pressure in between.
Each closure increases inlet pressure up to 0.36 bar.
You’ll need faster pumps to maintain flow, as pressure demands rise with each valve shut.
How Do Airlines Prevent Refueling Delays?
Airlines routinely prevent refueling delays by tightly coordinating ground operations the moment an aircraft lands.
You position fuel trucks early and pre-check infrastructure to start pumping immediately.
Digital tools give you real-time data, cutting delays by 92%.
Accurate uplifts save 13 tonnes of fuel daily at busy stations, enhance efficiency, and link directly to CO2 reporting, keeping your operations lean and on schedule.
And Finally
You now know refueling time depends on the plane’s size and fueling method. A 737 typically takes 20–30 minutes, while a 747 may take 60–90 minutes due to larger tanks. Using two trucks helps but doesn’t halve the time. Hydrant systems are faster than trucks. Fueling slows as tanks fill to prevent overflow. Airlines avoid delays by scheduling fueling during boarding and using efficient systems.
