The majority of emissions produced at airports comes from airplanes. Although, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), “aircraft engines produce the same pollution as any other engine burning fuel” (n.d.). Also, “The ICAO databank provides a compilation of aircraft engine emission data measured at four thrust levels: 100% (takeoff), 85% (climb out), 30% (approach) and 7% (idle) of maximum thrust available for takeoff under normal operating conditions at ISA sea level static conditions” (authors, 2019). However, the problem is the time the aircraft consumes from starting the engines until takeoff. Furthermore, at busier airports, due to traffic congestion, airplanes spend more time idle. Consequently, air pollution increases at and in the vicinity of the airport. Also, it is essential to understand that this emission is not significant at higher altitudes.
A solution could be to increase airport efficiency by adding more runways and designate certain runways for takeoffs only and others for landings only. Also, add taxiways that go around runways rather than intersecting them. For instance, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is designed this way. It is no doubt this configuration reduces the time spent on the ground.
Another solution could be to tax air carriers operating with older aircraft or prohibit the operation of those airplanes. On average, old planes consume 51% more fuel than new airplanes. Technology allowed engine manufacturers to produce high-bypass turbofan engines that consume less fuel and produce less noise pollution. However, this solution could bring other problems like an increase in airfares and consequently a lower demand.
References:
International Civil Aviation Organization. (n.d.). Aircraft Engine Emissions. Retrieved from https://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/Pages/aircraft-engine-emissions.aspx
Rutherford, D., & Zeinali, M. (2009). Efficiency trends for new commercial jet aircraft 1960-2008.
Schlenker, W., & Walker, W. R. (2016). Airports, air pollution, and contemporaneous health. The Review of Economic Studies, 83(2 (295)), 768-809. doi:10.1093/restud/rdv043
Visser, H., Hebly, S., & Wijnen, R. (2009). Management of the environmental impact at airport operations. New York: Nova Science Publishers.
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