expertise

Aircraft emissions

emissions from air traffic

Assess & reduce

Aircraft engines emit substances that are harmful to the climate and the environment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute to global warming. Particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) are associated with effects on health, nature and the built environment near airports.

Beelining assesses the emissions caused by air traffic and determines their impacts on climate and the environment. Beelining also advises on technical and operational measures to reduce harmful emissions.

How much emissions are caused by air traffic and how can these be reduced

emission modelling

Methodology

Beelining assesses aircraft emissions using the FLAPS.25 model. FLAPS.25 is an advanced and flexible emissions model based on ICAO recommendations. The model combines actual flight data with the latest emissions data from ICAO, FOCA, the FAA to arrive at an accurate estimate.

The model distinguishes 25 different substances, including CO2, NOx, SOx, VOC, HC and CO. In addition, the model supports all common aircraft and engine types, from the smallest single-engine aircraft to the largest jets. Unlike most other emission models, FLAPS.25 also estimates emissions from Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). In doing so, the model provides a complete picture of the emissions of an airport, airline or country.

Emissions are determined using a bottom-up approach. This involves estimating the emissions of each individual flight and flight phase based on aircraft and engine type, flight distance and operational procedures at the departure and arrival airport (such as thrust settings, taxi times, APU use and so on). This is important because emissions vary by engine type, flight stage and procedures used. Aggregating the emissions of individual flights provides an overall picture of the emissions of a given airline, airport or country.

The emissions can be translated into climate and environmental impacts. Monetizing the impacts allows for a comparison with other impacts of aviation, such as the positive impacts on consumers and businesses.

for airports, airlines and governments

Applications

Beelining assesses aviation emissions for governments, airports and airlines for various purposes:

Monitoring

By monitoring aviation emissions over time, the extent to which emission reduction targets have been achieved can be tracked. If it turns out that emissions have decreased less than intended, additional measures can be taken to still achieve the targets. Monitoring aviation emissions also provides insight into the effectiveness of measures taken, such as fleet renewal and operational improvements.

Benchmarking

Benchmarking aviation emissions provides insight into how a country, airport or airline performs against their peers. Based on this, lessons can be drawn on how to reduce emissions further.

Forecasting

Future aviation emissions depend on developments in traffic, fleet renewal, use of sustainable fuels (SAF) and operational adjustments. Forecasting future aviation emissions allows stakeholders to determine whether emission levels will remain within applicable limits. If not, additional measures can be taken to ensure that they are.

Scenario studies

The effectiveness of (additional) measures to reduce emissions are identified with a scenario study. Such a study shows to what extent various measures contribute to emission reduction. Examples of measures that can be assessed in terms of effectiveness are: fleet renewal, use of sustainable fuels (SAF), alternative thrust settings, single-engine taxiing, limiting APU use and so on.

questions about this expertise?

Contact

If you have any questions about this expertise or about our services, please feel free to contact us by e-mail or via the contact form.

Contact details

info@beelining.nl

+31 (0)6 2823 7401

www.beelining.nl

KvK: 83803157

BTW: NL003875598 B18

Contact Form

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areas of expertise

Beelining specialises in modelling aviation emissions, conducting socio-economic impact studies, setting and evaluating airport charges and preparing traffic forecasts. For more information on these areas of expertise, click on the buttons below.