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When the airplane takes off, the energy is provided by the engines, in which chemical energy (fuel) is being converted into mechanical energy (the spinning of fan blades, or, in some cases, propellers). The mechanical energy provides thrust, increase the speed of the airplane. As the speed of the airplane increases, the mechanical energy is converted into kinetic energy. As the airplane goes higher, the mechanical energy is changed into gravitational potential energy.

While flying, some energy is lost through drag to thermal (heat) energy and sound energy. Some is also lost as the plane makes the air around it move. On landing, drag increases. As speed and height decrease, kinetic and potential energy decrease. They are coverted into more thermal, and sound energy, as well as kinetic energy in the air.