Recently, regulations on emissions for international aviation has become increasingly strict. In addition, cost of fossil fuel has increased owing to limited non-renewable resource. Therefore, it is important to understand fuel efficiency because this is a practical method to reduce the cost and emissions based on recent technology. In this article, theoretical background of jet engines will be demonstrated, which include structure of jet engines and cycle efficiency. Followed by factors that affect the efficiency of jet engines. Finally, applications of jet engines based on efficiency and methods that improve efficiency are demonstrated, which includes recent technologies and possible future directions.