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NOx UK AVIATION AND AIR QUALITY An information paper: Our contribution, the challenges and opportunities www.sustainableaviation.co.uk
Sustainable Aviation would like to thank
the following members for leading the
contribution to this document:
ADS
Airbus
Airport Operators Association
Birmingham Airport
Bristol Airport
British Airways
Gatwick Airport
Glasgow Airport
Heathrow Airport
Luton Airport
Manchester Airports Group
Newcastle Airport
Rolls-Royce
TUI Group
Virgin Atlantic
2 www.sustainableaviation.co.uk
UK AVIATION
AND AIR
QUALITY
An information paper: Our contribution,
the challenges and opportunities
www.sustainableaviation.co.uk
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 3
Foreword
I am delighted to share this new Sustainable Aviation
(SA) paper with you. It explores the effect of UK aviation
on local air quality, illustrating the range of activities
currently underway throughout the industry to minimise
emissions. We also consider new opportunities to further
reduce aviation emissions that affect local air quality.
This paper is a substantial body of work and I for renewable transport fuels to 2030. I am
wish to thank the SA Air Quality Working Group encouraged that the policy sets out a framework
and particularly the individuals, organisations to 2030, providing much needed certainty in this
and companies that took part in preparing it. area, and urge Government to embody this in UK
statute to encourage inward investment.
I am excited by the diverse and extensive range
of activities already underway throughout the Beyond this, SA believes there are further
UK aviation industry to address our direct and opportunities to review and improve policy in
indirect emissions. The range of innovative this important area so that in partnership we
projects currently in progress also gives longer reduce aviation emissions further. I look forward
term confidence that significant improvements to developing the opportunities highlighted in
are feasible. The challenge will be how we all this paper with Government in the coming years.
work together to realise these.
I look forward to working with Government
Ian Jopson
and other stakeholders to realise opportunities
Chair, Sustainable Aviation
to reduce UK aviation’s contribution to local
air quality. I welcome Government’s recent
consultation outlining their plans to incorporate
aviation fuels within the existing incentive regime
4 www.sustainableaviation.co.uk
Advisory Board Comment
The Sustainable Aviation (SA) Advisory Board
works with Sustainable Aviation consortium to
provide independent advice and feedback. It
provides rigorous challenge to the SA Council
in order to enable it to reach its cleaner, quieter,
smarter goals effectively and efficiently.
The Advisory Board welcomes this paper As the first SA report on air quality, this paper
by SA on how the industry both contributes sets out the range of current industry-led
to and seeks to minimise poor air quality actions and commitments. Moving forward it
around airports. After 10 years of SA action will be important to seek the adoption of these
to strengthen the UK aviation industry’s actions across all airports and to innovate to
sustainability, it is appropriate to take stock of maintain the positive trend. Specifically, having
what the sector is doing on air quality and can defined four valid areas for future attention -
do going forward. surface access emissions, airport specialist fleet
performance, promoting adoption of sustainable
This paper makes clear the wide range of
alternative fuels and expanding research - SA
activities that are being taken by the aviation
should consider setting goals for airport and
industry nationwide to combat air pollution.
wider sector emissions improvement. It will be
Progressively over the years, this has moved
important to drive these and other initiatives
from locally initiated actions that arose from
forward, working with Government and local
discussions with local authorities to a more
authorities, both at the SA and member levels so
systematic sector wide approach to identify and
that the industry plays its full part in improving
implement best practice. From being a lower
air quality. This paper makes clear that the
priority topic for many airports, it is clear that
UK aviation industry has established a good
air quality improvement is now embedded with
platform from which to progress that journey to
all airports both as part of their sustainability
cleaner, quieter and smarter aviation in the UK.
strategy and community engagement work.
Engine manufacturers have long been focused
upon pollution reduction and that trend continues
Roger Gardner
but, despite a gradually improving air quality
Sustainable Aviation Advisory Board
situation around airports, there remains a strong
health-based imperative to maintain and increase
that push. Good progress has been made with
aircraft ground operational emissions reduction
alongside flight operational procedures on take-
off and approach.
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 5
Executive Summary
For 10 years Sustainable Aviation (SA) has brought
together all parts of the UK aviation industry. By working
together we are stronger and we aim to build a more
sustainable future for our industry. Aviation playing a full
part in improving air quality around airports is one of our
seven strategic goals.
With society increasingly concerned about the just one top ten UK airport is located within
health impacts of poor air quality, and the issues any of these. The pollutants of most concern
increasingly under the media spotlight, this paper are small particulate matter (PM) and oxides of
is a significant contribution to the air quality nitrogen (NOX), in particular nitrogen dioxide
debate. Using an objective and evidence-based (NO2). Both are associated with combustion
approach, we set out the emissions from aviation activities. Road transport is the emission source
and how they impact air quality at and around of greatest concern, contributing directly to
airports. We also consider how the industry poor air quality, particularly in congested urban
is responding to the challenge of minimising areas where more people are exposed to poorer
emissions. As Government continues to refine and air quality.
improve its policy framework, we hope that this
Emissions at airports contribute only a very
paper will provide a valuable input.
small proportion of overall UK emissions, with
Nationally, emissions of key air pollutants are aircraft contributing 1% of UK NOX emissions
falling and are below Government’s legally and 0.1% of UK PM10 emissions. At airports,
binding emission ‘ceilings’, however much remains which are generally located outside of cities,
to be done. Air quality is an important issue, aircraft operations are the most significant
across the UK over 600 locations have been source of emissions, with support vehicles and
identified by local authorities where health-based equipment, as well as vehicles accessing the
air quality objectives are not being met – airport also contributing.
6 www.sustainableaviation.co.uk
The UK aviation industry has already delivered in NOX emissions from new aircraft by 2050. In
a wide range of emission reduction initiatives. addition, SA members are working to ensure
These include changes to the way we operate, UK airspace is used more efficiently and that
which can often deliver consequential benefits the wide range of real-time flight information is
in other areas such as noise reduction or carbon used intelligently to reduce delays, improving
saving. The UK is at the leading edge of aviation passenger experience and reducing emissions.
technology, manufacturers and airlines have
To deliver these improvements we will need
introduced new aircraft with engines that
to continue to work collaboratively across all
generate fewer emissions by burning cleaner,
parts of the aviation industry. SA provides
and airports have promoted public transport as
us with the platform to do so. We also need
an alternative to the car.
to work closely with other stakeholders,
Sustainable Aviation believes that it is important particularly Government. We ask Government
to focus on aggressively reducing emissions to work with us in overcoming current barriers
to improve air quality where it matters most. to cutting emissions which affect air quality.
We welcome the focus Government places on These include:
reducing road transport emissions, and believe
• Focussing on road transport and helping to
this is key to reducing overall UK emissions as
improve surface access to airports;
well as those from road access to and from
airports. A Government framework for well- • Expanding low emission vehicle policy
connected airports, with high-quality 24-hour support to specialist airport vehicles;
public transport opportunities, will reduce
• Providing policy certainty so that the private
emissions and improve journeys for passengers
sector will invest in alternative aviation fuels
and staff. We also welcome Government’s policy
(including the extension of the Renewable
support for ‘off the shelf’ ultra-low emission
Transport Fuel Obligation to jet fuel); and,
road vehicles, if this support were extended to
specialist airport vehicles and equipment, such • Ensuring that research and development
as electric aircraft push back tugs, it could help programmes continue to be supported
to further reduce emissions at airports. during and after the process of the UK
leaving the European Union to continue the
Current aerospace research and technology
excellent work we have underway.
goals are ambitious, targeting a 90% reduction
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 7
Image: Airbus 8 www.sustainableaviation.co.uk
Contents
Useful terms 10
Useful acronyms 12
1. Introduction 14
1.1 Sustainable Aviation 15
1.2 Air quality 15
1.3 Pollutants of concern 16
2. Context 18
2.1 Framework for reducing emissions and improving air quality 18
2.2 UK air quality 19
3. Air emission sources at and near to airports 20
3.1 Air emissions at airports 20
3.2 Reducing air emissions at airports 23
3.3 The contribution of road transport to emissions near to airports 24
3.4 Reducing surface access emissions 25
4. Air quality near to airports 26
4.1 Air quality 26
4.2 Air quality monitoring 28
4.3 Sharing information about air quality at and near to airports 29
4.4 Air quality action plans 30
5. Initiatives to reduce air quality emissions 31
5.1 Industry collaboration to improve air quality 31
5.2 Environmental co-benefits 40
5.3 Future opportunities 41
6. Realising the opportunities by working together 45
6.1 Sustainable Aviation’s commitment 45
6.2 Opportunities to work together 46
6.3 Identifying the next steps 46
6.4 Further discussion 47
References 48
Appendices 49
Appendix A – Important air pollutants in the UK 49
Appendix B – Science-based air quality objectives 50
Appendix C – Airport air quality monitoring 52
Appendix D – Air quality monitoring results 53
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 9
Useful terms
Additive layer Additive manufacturing (sometimes also known as 3D printing) is a modern
manufacturing fabrication process that can use a range of materials to create three-
dimensional parts that are built up layer by layer. This way of building parts
offers great flexibility and opportunities for creating new products at low
cost, whilst reducing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing.
Air quality action plan Air quality action plans are required to ensure that air quality objectives
in a particular area where exceedances are occurring are met as quickly
as possible.
Air quality limits Limit values are legally binding parameters that must not be exceeded,
and are set for individual pollutants. They are made up of a concentration
value, an averaging time over which it is to be measured, the number
of exceedances allowed per year, if any, and a date by which it must
be achieved. Some pollutants have more than one limit value covering
different endpoints or averaging times.
Air quality If a local authority finds any locations where air quality objectives are not
management area likely to be achieved, it must declare this as an air quality management area
and draft an air quality action plan to achieve objectives as soon as possible.
Air quality strategy The national strategy sets out a framework to achieve cleaner air that will
bring health and social benefits, and identifies the key measures that are
required and identifies where further work is needed.
Air quality objectives The air quality objectives set targets for levels of certain pollutants in air
and dates by which these must be met.
Air traffic movement A single arrival or departure of an aircraft.
Airport consultative In order for airports to communicate openly and effectively with their local
committee communities and users of the airport about the impact of their operations,
airport consultative committees have become a well-established way in
which airports engage with key stakeholders in the local area and beyond.
Alternatively fuelled Fuelled by a non-fossil-based fuel.
Co-benefits Benefits obtained in other areas, above those expected in a target area.
Combustion plant Engines, boilers or other plant where fuel is burned to provide power or heat.
Combustion process The process by which a fuel (fossil or non-fossil) is burnt to provide some
form of energy.
Concentrations of The mass of a pollutant that exists in a specified volume of the ambient air.
pollutants
Consolidation centre Centres where deliveries are received, security screened and stored prior
to being bundled together with other deliveries into as few deliveries as
possible to airport sites.
10 www.sustainableaviation.co.ukDistributed propulsion Distributed propulsion fully integrates the propulsion system within the
airframe so that the aircraft experiences the full benefits of coupling
airframe aerodynamics and the propulsion system. This aim is for larger
aircraft to be powered by a large number of electric motors.
Emissions A substance that is released into the environment – in this paper, from a
man-made source affecting air quality.
Emissions ceiling The total amount of a substance that is allowed to be released into the air
over a given time period.
Emissions inventory A summary of emissions by type (e.g. pollutant) and source.
Flightpath 2050 The EU’s vision for aviation in 2050, which details how and where the
European research priorities should be set to preserve EU growth and
competitiveness worldwide, whilst meeting market needs as well as
energy and environmental challenges.
Fossil fuels Fuels derived from fossil sources such as petroleum and coal.
Ground level air quality Ambient air quality as measured at nominal adult head-height.
Hybrid Uses two or more distinct types of power, such as an internal combustion
engine and an electric motor.
Interdependencies The influence that changes to one environmental impact has on another.
These can either be positive-positive (i.e. win-win), or positive-negative,
where trade-offs may need to be considered.
Internationally agreed Aircraft engine emissions standards, agreed by the International
engine standards Civil Aviation Organisation’s Committee on Aviation Environmental
Protection.
Local air quality In the context of this paper, ambient air quality near to the airport.
Reduced thrust Airlines have implemented take-off procedures involving a reduction in
take-off engine thrust settings to the minimum level required to take off based
on the aircraft take-off weight, weather conditions and the length of the
runway available.
Stakeholders Individuals, groups or organisations that are interested in the activity of
aviation or airports.
Surface access Methods of access to the airport, not by aircraft, for passengers,
staff and goods.
Sustainable aviation Fuel used by aircraft that has a lower carbon footprint than fossil-based
fuel kerosene and that meets other sustainability criteria.
Sustainable fuels Fuel that has a lower carbon footprint than those derived from fossil sources
Syn-gas Syn-gas is an abbreviation for synthesis gas, which is a mixture comprising
of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. The syn-gas is
produced by gasification of a carbon containing fuel, such as woodchip,
to a gaseous product that has some heating value.
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 11Useful acronyms
ACARE Advisory Council for Aviation Research and innovation in Europe
A-CDM Airport collaborative decision making
APU Auxiliary power unit
AQAP Air quality action plan
AQG Air quality guideline(s) recommended by the World Health Organisation
AQMA Air quality management area
AQO Air quality objective
AURN Automatic urban and rural network (national air quality monitoring)
AVGAS Aviation gasolene
CAD Computer aided design
CDM Collaborative decision making
CEM Collaborative environmental management
CHP Combined heat and power
CO Carbon monoxide
CO2 Carbon dioxide
COMEAP Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants
CVP Clean vehicle partnership
DEAP Distributed electrical aerospace propulsion
Defra UK Government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
DfT UK Government Department for Transport
DP Distributed propulsion
EU European Union
FEGP Fixed electrical ground power
HGV Heavy goods vehicle
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation
IT Information technology
iTEC Interoperability through European collaboration
12 www.sustainableaviation.co.ukLAQM Local air quality management
LTO Cycle ICAO Reference Landing and Take-off Cycle
NAQS National Air Quality Strategy
NATS National Air Traffic Services
NO Nitric oxide
NO2 Nitrogen dioxide
NOX Oxides of nitrogen
O3 Ozone
OLEV UK Government Office for Low Emissions Vehicles
PAH Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
PCA Pre-conditioned air
PM Particulate matter
PM10 Particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometres in diameter
PM2.5 Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter
R&D Research and development
RET Reduced engine taxiing
RTFO Renewable transport fuel obligation
S106 Section 106 planning agreement (contains planning conditions)
SA Sustainable Aviation
SAFED Safe and fuel efficient driving
SESAR Single European sky air traffic movement research
SO2 Sulphur dioxide
TEOM Tapered element oscillating microbalance (type of PM monitoring equipment)
UFP Ultra-fine particles
UK United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
VOC Volatile organic compounds
WHO World Health Organisation
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 131. Introduction
For 10 years Sustainable Aviation has brought the UK
aviation industry together, to work towards a sustainable
future for UK aviation.
The Government’s Air Quality Strategy shows an Members of Sustainable Aviation manage and
improving picture regarding air quality generally improve local air quality, often in collaboration
but poor air quality still exists at some locations, with local authorities and other stakeholders.
predominately in busy urban areas, mostly as
The Sustainable Aviation Advisory Board has
a result of road traffic. The Strategy identifies
provided independent rigorous challenge to our
the key air pollutants of concern – at airports
work, and has overseen to the production of
nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter are
this paper.
considered most relevant.
MEMBERS
SIGNATORIES
14 www.sustainableaviation.co.uk1.1 Sustainable Aviation
Launched in 2005, Sustainable Aviation (SA)
brings together the main aviation players – from SA Local Air Quality Strategic Goal
UK airlines and airports, manufacturers and
Industry to play its full part in improving air
air navigation service providers – to set out a
quality around airports.
collective and long-term strategy to ensure a
sustainable future for UK aviation. For the last ten
years, SA has been entirely focused on finding Through its Progress Reports, SA has regularly
collaborative ways of improving environmental reported on the work carried out throughout the
performance and ensuring sustainable growth. UK aviation industry to reduce emissions that
affect air quality. These Reports are available on
The SA work programme is focused around
the SA website. This work is broad-ranging and
seven strategic goals. Since 2005, SA has
will be explored throughout the rest of this paper.
recognised the importance of improving air
quality around airports by reducing emissions The members and signatories of SA represent
and ensuring that aviation’s contributions are over 90% of the UK aviation industry, with many
effectively monitored and managed. having a global reach.
1.2 Air quality
The last UK Air Quality Strategy (Defra, 2007) A number of studies have reviewed the impact
painted a positive picture, reporting progress of emissions from aviation at all levels, including
and improving air quality over recent decades. emissions from aircraft at cruise level and
Air in the UK is now cleaner in overall terms also locally to airports. The United Nations
than at any time since the industrial revolution. International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
However, this does not negate the fact that has identified that emissions from aircraft
poor air quality does still exist in some areas operations are only a ground-level air quality
with potentially serious adverse effects, both to concern when they occur below 1,000 feet
human health and ecology. above the ground (ICAO, 2011) – typically
within a few miles of an airport. However, it is
Government estimates that air pollution
customary for airport emission inventories to
reduces the life expectancy of every person in
consider the emissions from aircraft operations
the UK by an average of 7-8 months. In recent
on the ground and in the air up to 3,000 feet or
months the Committee on the Medical Effects
1,000 metres above ground level.
of Air Pollutants (COMEAP), who advise the
Government on the health effects of air pollution, Although the industry is working collectively
has concluded that evidence associating to reduce emissions in all phases of flight, the
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with health effects has management of air quality is a local matter
strengthened in recent years (Public Health overseen by airports – in partnership with
England, 2016). The Department for Environment, other stakeholders including local authorities.
Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have identified Supporting the principles of Government’s
impacts of poor air quality upon animals, plants, Aviation Policy Framework (DfT, 2013), this
biodiversity and crop yields (Defra, 2013). approach is consistent with the aviation
industry’s ambition to implement local solutions
Like many nations, the UK is facing difficulties in
to local challenges, as well as with the scope of
meeting air quality objectives for concentrations
aviation’s impact in terms of air quality.
of NO2 alongside some of the UK’s busiest roads
(Defra, 2015). As a result, much of the interest in Within that context, this paper sets out
UK air quality has centred on urban areas where the current understanding of air quality
poor air quality has been driven predominantly issues related to airports in the UK, how
by road traffic. Interest in air quality has recently air pollution is measured and actions being
heightened, with considerable media attention taken by the industry to reduce emissions of
focusing on vehicle emission testing scandals potential pollutants. The paper also highlights
and legal challenges regarding the Government’s opportunities to deliver further emission
approach to air quality objectives. reductions in the future.
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 151.3 Pollutants of concern
Historic air pollution, such as smoke and sulphur of pollutants in particular. NO2 is the principal
dioxide (SO2), resulted from the use of fossil pollutant of concern, with further considerable
fuels for industrial and domestic purposes. interest also in particulate matter (PM). This
The impact of these has, however, declined is the result of some locations in the UK not
with improving technology. Currently the currently meeting objectives for NO2 and/or
main sources of local air pollution are exhaust PM (specifically PM10 – particles smaller than 10
emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles, as well micrometres in diameter).
as emissions from housing and industry, which
Both NO2 and PM10 are considered relevant to
generate a range of emissions to air. Appendix
air quality at and near to airports, principally
A highlights a number of pollutants identified as
because both result from airport activities.
important by Government within its Air Quality
Other air pollutants identified within the Air
Strategy (Defra, 2007).
Quality Strategy, are less relevant. As such,
Despite significant improvements in air quality, this paper focuses on NO2 and PM10 at and
concerns remain regarding a small number around airports.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Particulate matter (PM)
Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are created by PM is made up of a variety of materials
combustion processes, particularly cars and arising from different sources. It can be
lorries and, as such, are a key pollutant to formed directly from combustion process
consider at airports in relation to surface and indirectly from chemical reactions in
access, with the main UK source being the air. PM is a mix of human-made and
road transport. Aircraft engines, boilers natural sources (such as Saharan dust). PM
and backup generators also produce NOx. is categorised on the basis of particle size:
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO) PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of
are both oxides of nitrogen and together are less than 10 micrometres; and, PM2.5 particles
referred to as NOx. with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres.
16 www.sustainableaviation.co.ukUK Aviation and Air Quality Report 17
2. Context
Air quality legislation is based on air quality guidelines
recommended by the World Health Organization on the
basis of research into the impacts of pollutants on health.
The guidelines are based on research into the effect
pollutants have on people’s health and are intended to
help governments set air-quality standards that should
apply in their countries.
Government has established legally binding are not expected to be met. There are currently
emission ‘ceilings’ that limit total emissions 604 air quality management areas AQMAs in
of four main air pollutants, including nitrogen the UK. These are typically in busy urban areas,
oxides (NOX). Other targets aim to improve air reflecting the principal source of concern, which
quality by limiting concentrations of certain air is road transport.
pollutants. The UK Government regularly reports
Local authorities must develop air quality action
on progress made in improving air quality and
plans, which aim to improve air quality and
has identified difficulty in meeting objectives for
meet objectives. Airports which are members
nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
of Sustainable Aviation actively contribute to
By law, local authorities must review air quality such plans, often through strategies which
in their area and designate an air quality are developed and implemented by individual
management area where air quality objectives airports.
2.1 Framework for reducing emissions and
improving air quality
Air quality is an important issue, challenging Legally binding targets have been set to both
policymakers in both developed and developing reduce total emissions of key pollutants, and
nations. International research has led to the to limit their concentrations in air within the
development of air quality guidelines by the World UK (National Emission Ceilings Regulations,
Health Organisation (WHO). Poor air quality is 2002) and other European countries (European
recognised to increase the number of people who Directive 2001/81/EC, 2001).
suffer from, and severity of, respiratory and other
The framework for managing air quality in the
illnesses. These guidelines, have been specifically
UK is provided as Appendix B, and summarised
developed to protect both people’s health and the
in Figure 2.1.
natural environment and provide the framework
for UK and European air quality policies.
18 www.sustainableaviation.co.ukAir quality guidelines
The World Health Organisation has set these research-based guidelines to
protect people's health.
EU Air Quality Directives
These Directives, based on the World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines, set
limits for eight air pollutants.
UK Air Quality Regulations
These regulations incorporate EU air quality directives into UK law, and introduce
air quality objectives. Under the UK Air Quality Regulations, Government must keep
within limits set by EU Air Quality Directives for eight pollutants, and must report
results to the European Commission.
Environment Act 1995
Under the Environment Act 1995, local authorities must review air quality. If they find
that the air quality objectives in a particular area are not expected to be met, they must
designate that area as an air quality management area.
Air quality action plans
Each local authority must develop an air quality action plan setting out measures to
improve air quality and meet the air quality objectives in any air quality management area.
Figure 2.1 Air quality management framework
2.2 UK air quality
For nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter Defra produces an annual report on air pollution in
(PM10), UK air quality objectives (AQOs) are the UK (Defra, 2015). This outlines the challenges
aligned with limit values driven by the European the UK is facing in meeting air quality objectives
Air Quality Directive. Government has ultimate for concentrations of NO2 and PM10, principally
responsibility for achieving European air quality within urban areas as a result of emissions from
limits and has tasked local authorities with road transport. Local Authorities have designated
reporting local air quality to the Department for a total of 604 AQMAs where NO2 AQOs are
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). exceeded, compared to 95 for PM10 and 7 for
Where AQOs (Figure 2.2) are not met, local sulphur dioxide (SO2) (Defra, 2016). Only one of
authorities are required to declare an air quality these AQMAs contains a top ten UK airport.
management area (AQMA) and develop an air
quality action plan (AQAP).
Pollutant Annual objective Short term objective
(mean limit) (max events per annum)
NO2 40 18 hours > 200
PM10 40 35 days > 50
PM2.5 25 N/A
Figure 2.2 UK Air Quality Strategy objectives, micrograms per cubic metre (Defra, 2007)
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 193. Air emission sources at
and near to airports
Emissions at an airport contribute only a small proportion
of overall UK emissions. A range of activities contribute
to air emissions within the airport boundary. Aircraft
operations are the most significant source of nitrogen
oxides and particulate matter emissions at an airport,
with other emissions from support vehicles and
equipment, as well as vehicles accessing the airport.
Road transport is a major national source of both members work collectively to develop new
nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Due to technologies and implement more efficient
the mobile nature of air pollutants, both airport- operating procedures. At a local level, airports
related and non-airport-related road traffic both have delivered a range of initiatives to reduce
contribute to emissions around airports. emissions, including developing sustainable
surface access options for passengers, staff and
Sustainable Aviation has a 10-year history of
local communities alike.
delivering environmental improvements. Our
3.1 Air emissions at airports
The principal sources of airport-related A number of Sustainable Aviation (SA) member
emissions include aircraft, ground service airports periodically produce air quality
equipment such as power units and vehicles emission inventories. Emissions inventories
at the airport or using airport approach roads. aim to quantify emissions by source across an
Of these, the largest share of total airport- airport, to support air quality management and
related emissions is from aircraft operations on mitigation planning. Using data from two of the
the ground (such as on-stand power, taxiing, most recent emission inventories – prepared by
and take-off) and in the air below 3,000 feet Gatwick and Heathrow airports – it is possible
or 1,000 metres above ground level, unless to provide a broad overview of on-airport
otherwise stated. emission sources for oxides of nitrogen (NOX)
and particulate matter (PM10).
20 www.sustainableaviation.co.ukFixed plant
Airport roads 2%
Ground Fixed plant
8.5% equipment 3%
Airport car parks 15%
0.5% Airport
Ground equipment
car parks
5.5%
1%
Aircraft
in the air
12%
Airport
Aircraft
on ground NOx roads
39% PM10
30.5%
Aircraft
Aircraft
in the air
on ground
53%
30%
Figure 3.1 On-airport emission sources for oxides of nitrogen (NOX, left) and particulate matter (PM10, right), based on emission inventories
for Gatwick (2010) and Heathrow (2013) airports
The estimation of aircraft emissions is aircraft contribute around 1% to total UK NOX
particularly difficult, especially as emissions take emissions and 0.1% to total UK PM10 emissions
place above ground level and they therefore (National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory,
represent a three-dimensional source. The 2014). Total on-airport emissions are, however,
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) slightly higher, as they include emissions from
provides information about emissions from other sources such as ground equipment as
specific engine models, within a reference well as airport roads and car parks. Despite this
landing and take-off cycle (LTO cycle), which increase in scope, emissions from Heathrow and
are necessary to compare different engine Gatwick Airports (the two largest UK airports)
technologies for certification. However, these come to around 1% of UK NOX and 1% of UK
emissions figures do not reflect day-to-day PM10 emissions. Aviation therefore makes a very
conditions, such as weather and the wide range small, but still important, contribution to UK
of operational techniques SA members employ. emissions.
The ICAO Airport Air Quality Manual (ICAO,
Industry is delivering a wide range of emission
2011) provides a number of methodologies, from
reduction programmes, implemented
simple to sophisticated, for estimating aircraft
successfully through its collaborative approach.
emissions – the more advanced methods being
Sustainable Aviation (SA) is at the heart of this
more accurate, but requiring progressively
cross-industry approach, our members not only
more detailed information as input. In general,
co-ordinate operational improvements but also
both the ICAO “Simple” and “Advanced”
develop cleaner aircraft and engines for the
methods, result in levels that are likely to
future. Many of these actions, outlined in Figure
overestimate actual emissions and, for the
3.2, are overseen locally by SA member airports
“Simple” method, this can be quite significant.
who work consistently to deliver proactive local
Government is committed to reducing absolute emission reduction strategies. Airport-level
emissions, including those of NOX. The UK partnerships, involving airlines, handling agents
has met its targets to do so for all pollutants and other service partners deliver best practice,
every year since 2010. To put airport emissions reducing emissions through more efficient
in perspective, the Government’s national operating procedures and technology.
emission inventories report that emissions from
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 21Collaborative environmental
management at Manchester Airport
Working with Eurocontrol, Manchester Airport and the demonstration of ‘perfect’ flights.
developed and implemented the European Collaborative Environmental Management
specification for Collaborative Environmental provides a range of environmental benefits,
Management (CEM). Bringing airport teams including reducing emissions that affect air
together with airlines, air traffic control and quality, and has become a requirement at other
handling agents, CEM provides a platform for European airports.
environmental improvement.
Manchester’s approach to CEM assisted the
The Group has improved uptake of the SA implementation of reduced engine taxiing
Arrivals and Departures Codes of Practice and procedures for aircraft arriving at and departing
implemented a number of local improvement from the airport.
projects. These have included the development
of reduced engine taxiing (RET) procedures
Image: Manchester Airport
22 www.sustainableaviation.co.uk3.2 Reducing air emissions at airports
We are making great progress in
developing sustainable fuels that
can reduce particulate emissions by
60-90% compared with fossil fuels.
Improved coordination of aircraft
movements reduces delays and
emissions from taxiing aircraft.
Airports are training staff
to drive more efficiently,
reducing emissions and Where available, parked
improving passenger comfort. aircraft use electrical power
and conditioned air from
airport terminals to reduce
emissions and noise.
More aircraft are now taxiing to and
from the runways without using all their
engines, reducing emissions and noise.
wer
s ad just porld
, pilot al-wo s.
fe to do soased on re d emission
n s a ff, b e an
Whe ch take-o duce nois
for ea tions to re
condi
Renewable energy Cleaner or zero Airlines are now flying
technologies and emission aircraft a new generation of
more efficient handling equipment efficient aircraft, with
boilers reduce and airport vehicles manufacturers already
emissions from are being introduced developing the next.
operating airports. to replace diesel
versions.
Figure 3.2 SA member led initiatives to reduce aviation emissions at airports
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 233.3 The contribution of road transport
to emissions near airports
Nationally, road transport contributed 32% of and Gatwick Airports, airport-related traffic
NOX and 18% of PM10 emissions in 2013 (National contributes around 9% of airport NOX emissions
Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, 2014). Some and around 38% of PM10 emissions. Airports
UK airports are located outside city boundaries work closely with local and highways authorities
with few major roads or motorways in the vicinity to manage airport approach roads, minimising
while others are located in busy urban settings congestion to reduce delays and emissions for
that include extensive road and motorway both airport-related and non-airport-related
networks. Emissions from non-airport-related traffic.
road traffic, driven by the proximity of an airport
Promoting sustainable transport is an important
to major road networks, is therefore an additional
priority for airports, both for staff and passenger
issue to be considered.
surface access. Airports invest significantly in
Depending on location, emissions of non-airport- public transport infrastructure and facilities,
related road traffic near to airports vary greatly including: rail and light rail; bus and coach;
– for example at Gatwick, non-airport road traffic electric vehicle charging points; cycle routes and
accounts for about 14% of NOX emissions in the facilities; and, consolidated airport goods and
vicinity of the airport, but 27% at Heathrow. cargo delivery centres. Figure 3.3 details actions
taken by SA members to reduce surface access
Airport-related traffic, such as cars, buses and
emissions.
delivery vehicles, also contribute. At Heathrow
24 www.sustainableaviation.co.uk3.4 Reducing surface access emissions
Retail deliveries are bulked
up at consolidation centres
DELIVERIES reducing the number of HGV
journeys into airports.
Airports are supporting
ultra-low emission vehicles,
introducing electric vehicle
charging points and
hydrogen fuelling too.
Airports are investing significantly
in public transport to make access
for passengers and staff easier and
more sustainable.
Airport staff are reducing
emissions from commuting
through flexible working,
Communities near airports also car sharing and zero-
benefit from enhanced public emission options such as
transport, reducing emissions walking or cycling.
from non-airport journeys too.
Figure 3.3 SA member initiatives to reduce emissions from accessing airports
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 254. Air quality near to airports
Air emissions are mobile, with air quality near to an
airport impacted by emissions from both the airport
itself and also, importantly, other emission sources. As
a result, the impact of airport-related emissions reduces
significantly once outside the boundary of the airport.
Airports have wide-ranging air quality Local authorities are required to designate an
monitoring programmes, often designed air quality management area where air quality
and implemented in partnership with local does not meet national objectives. Of the top
authorities. Results of these monitoring exercises ten UK airports only one is within an air quality
are shared with stakeholders and are available management area, with four near to air quality
online – many airports also share real-time air management areas.
quality monitoring results.
4.1 Air quality
Air quality is a measure of the concentration of in terms of air quality, and are used by local
air pollutants at a given location. Air emissions authorities when they declare air quality
are mobile and trans-boundary, therefore management areas (AQMAs).
local air quality is impacted by emissions at a
The contribution airport-related emissions make
given location, and those from further afield –
to local air quality reduces substantially with
principally due to weather and wind moving air
increasing distance from the airport boundary,
pollutants from their emission point. Computer
dropping by around a factor of four by a
models enable the impact of emissions from
kilometre away.
aviation and other sources to be predicted
26 www.sustainableaviation.co.ukModelling air quality at Heathrow Airport
While it is possible to measure concentrations passing by. Air quality modelling supports
of pollutants, it is impractical to have enough action planning, helping to understand whether
monitors to provide a full picture of local air proposed measures are likely to be effective and
quality at all locations. Therefore, computerised cost-effective in improving air quality.
dispersion modelling is used to provide a
The latest Heathrow air quality study showed
complete picture of air quality.
that aircraft make a dominant contribution
A modelling study has several benefits. to emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) at the
Firstly, modelling fills in the gaps between airport, however these emissions do not exert
monitors, allowing air quality to be assessed a strong effect on concentrations outside of
at all locations of interest (for example, the the airport perimeter. Road traffic emissions
concentrations at individual properties can are a more important source in determining
be predicted). concentrations at properties in the vicinity of the
airport: just 1 kilometre from Heathrow Airport,
It is also possible through modelling to see how
airport related NOX emissions (which include
much individual emission sources contribute
those from road traffic travelling to or from the
to air quality at a given location. Modelling
airport) contribute 13-16% to local air quality.
also enables forecasting future air quality – for
example, to take into account infrastructure Information about the air quality modelling
projects or changes in the number and types methods used by Heathrow Airport is available
of aircraft using the airport, or road vehicles on the website www.heathrowairwatch.org.uk.
For exact locations of the monitoring stations see www.heathrowairwatch.org.uk/latest All data from 2013
Air quality monitoring sites
Non-airport related emissions % of total NOx Airport related emissions % of total NOx
around Heathrow
60 Measured as
3
NO2 mg/m
50
16%
6% M4 48% M25
94% 84%
40
EU limit value
15% 11% 23% 13% 22% 9%
31% 13%
89% 87% 30% 91%
30 85% 78% 87%
Non-airport traffic along the M4 77%
dominates NOx emissions 69% 52% 70%
20
48
Heathrow
10
47 53 38 37 37 38 39 35 34 36 37
Hayes Hillingdon Harlington Harmondsworth Sipson Cranford Oxford Avenue Hatton Cross Oaks Road Green Gates Colnbrook
0
2km 1km Approximate distance from Heathrow 0km 1km
Image:
SourcesHeathrow Airport
of Heathrow’s NOx:
ground-based, airport-
related activities
We’re concentrating our emission-reduction
efforts on our four major ground-based sources
of NOx. This graphic shows the proportion of
total NOx generated by each airport source.
Aircraft activity Airport traffic Airside vehicles Energy
70% 17.6% 8.4% 4%
Emissions from all ground-based aircraft Emissions from vehicles carrying passengers, Emissions from vehicles and specialist equipment, Emissions from on-site generation of
activity, including take-offs, landings staff and goods to, from and around Heathrow, such as catering vehicles, aircraft tugs and heat and electricity to power the airport.
and taxiing, in which aircraft wheels occurring within an 11×11km grid centred on baggage loaders, operating on the airfield.
are in contact with the ground. the airport in line with agreed upon air quality
modelling methods.
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 274.2 Air quality monitoring
The Sustainable Aviation (SA) Air Quality Airports undertake air quality monitoring in a
Working Group includes representation from number of fixed locations to enable comparative
the ten busiest UK airports. All of these airports monitoring and reporting. Typical locations include:
undertake regular monitoring of air quality.
• On the airfield, at the end of runways where,
Government guidance (Defra, 2016) supports depending on wind direction, aircraft are
several methods of monitoring air quality. The landing or taking off;
selection of the most appropriate monitoring
• At on-airport or near-airport locations with
method is usually determined by an airport in
significant airport-related ground vehicle
consultation with its local authority. An airport’s
traffic;
location, size, surroundings, proximity to other
emission sources and the anticipated duration of • In adjacent residential areas.
air quality monitoring are considerations when
deciding the most appropriate monitoring method. Monitoring methods and sites deployed by SA
Airport-specific air quality guidance is also provided Air Quality Working Group member airports are
by the International Civil Aviation Organisation listed in Appendix C, and results presented as
(ICAO) in its Airport Air Quality Manual (ICAO, 2011). Appendix D.
Air quality monitoring methods
Automatic monitoring
These monitors produce real-time measurements
of pollutant concentrations. Automatic analysers
provide continuous data, with service personnel
typically checking them monthly and servicing
required biannually. These monitors are more
complex to install and sustain, but are very useful
for measuring concentrations of nitrogen dioxide
(NO2) and particulate matter (PM) at locations
where detailed monitoring is required and power and
communications are available. Automatic monitors
are helpful to improve and validate the accuracy of
modelling data. Airports are also working with the
manufacturers of automatic monitors to support the Automatic air quality monitoring station
development of innovative new monitors. Image: Heathrow Airport
Non-automatic monitoring
These methods measure average concentration
levels over longer exposure periods, typically weekly
or monthly, and involve sample collections using
a diffusion tube or filter. These methods are used
to monitor NO2 and also for hydrocarbons such as
benzene. Diffusion methods collect pollutants by
molecular diffusion along the tube to an absorbent
material which, after exposure for a specified time,
is chemically analysed to produce concentrations.
Diffusion tubes are quick and easy to deploy
compared to automated air quality monitoring and
are particularly useful for monitoring long term trends. Nitrogen dioxide diffusion tube
Image: Manchester Airport
28 www.sustainableaviation.co.uk4.3 Sharing information about air
quality at and near to airports
4.3.1 Air quality working groups and partnerships
All of our member airports host airport groups on specific issues. Several SA member
consultative committees, which typically have an airports discuss annual air quality data, trends
independent chair and representation from local and initiatives with their airport consultative
authorities and local public interest groups. The committee or its environment or air quality
purpose of these committees is to facilitate open sub-group.
and effective communication between airports
Further working groups exist between many
and local communities and airport users about
airports and their respective local authorities.
the impact of airport operations. Consultative
This type of partnership approach ensures
committees typically meet quarterly, and
airport and local plans deliver air quality
may have a steering group as well as sub-
improvements consistently.
4.3.2 Air quality reporting
Members of SA believe it is important to share discussion of long-term trend analysis. Shorter
information about air quality at airports. That summary documents are usually also produced;
is why member airports share the results of air and summary data and analysis also included in
quality monitoring with the public and their local airport sustainability reports. Published reports
authorities. The types of reporting and forums typically include annual average NO2 and PM10
used to do so vary by airport, reflecting local concentrations, whether Government’s annual
stakeholder requirements. mean air quality objectives have been exceeded
and the number of exceedances per year of the
Most of our members produce – or co-produce
short-term objectives.
with their local authorities – air quality reports
which are published online. These reports are In addition, several of our member airports also
often technical in nature and very lengthy – share real-time air quality monitoring information
presenting the results of monitoring as well as on the internet.
A partnership approach to air quality at
Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport discusses air quality and The Birmingham Airport Health Group enables
monitoring data regularly with its Airport the airport to embed the consideration of
Consultative Committee, on a quarterly basis. community health issues and opportunities
The airport hosts the only automatic air quality into airport operation and development. With
monitoring site in the Solihull Metropolitan a particular focus on health, the group reviews
Borough Council area and shares monitoring air quality and monitors the effectiveness
results online in near real-time. As the airport of the mitigation and community support
grows it is working increasingly closely with initiatives in partnership with public health
partners to provide information about air teams from the Solihull Metropolitan Borough
quality. Council and Birmingham City Council.
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 294.4 Air quality action plans
An AQMA is designated by a local authority Local authority air quality action plans
where locations fail to meet air quality (AQAPs) are important regional strategies,
objectives. Figure 4.1 shows the location of primarily working to improve air quality but
AQMAs, which are focussed on urban areas and, offering a range of secondary benefits –
at a local level, generally follow motorways and such as improvements to public transport
main roads. The figure also shows the location and support for green spaces. Airports are
of the ten busiest UK airports, which collectively important contributors to local policies, working
handle 85% of UK passengers and 90% of UK air alongside local authorities to support AQAPs by
cargo (Civil Aviation Authority, 2016). Of these introducing measures to reduce emissions at the
airports only one, Heathrow, is within an AQMA – airport – often delivered through airport’s own
with four (Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gatwick and emission reduction strategies.
Manchester) near to AQMAs.
Heathrow Airport is located within the
Hillingdon AQMA, declared for NO2.
Birmingham Airport is located within
1 kilometre of the Birmingham AQMA,
declared for NO2 and PM10. Edinburgh,
Gatwick and Manchester airports are Not near to an air quality
respectively located within 1 kilometre of managment area
the Glasgow Road, Horley and Greater
Within 1 kilometre of an air
Manchester AQMAs, declared for NO2. quality management area
Within an air quality
managment area
Air Quality Management Area
Edinburgh
Glasgow Airport
Airport
Newcastle
International
Airport
Manchester
Airport
Birmingham
Airport
London
Luton Stansted
Airport Airport
Heathrow
Bristol Airport
Airport
Gatwick
Airport
Figure 4.1 Air quality management areas
(Defra, 2016) and top ten UK airports
30 www.sustainableaviation.co.uk5. Initiatives to reduce air
quality emissions
Sustainable Aviation Members are committed to reducing
emissions and driving air quality improvements. Achieved
by collaborative work through Sustainable Aviation,
and with local stakeholders, airports have implemented
a range of policies that support the introduction of
sustainable surface access and the development of low
emission infrastructure.
Manufacturers have delivered new, more generation of aircraft, powered by sustainable
efficient and lower-emission engines and aircraft and cleaner fuels which will operate within
– and are working to introduce sustainable and more efficient airspace. Current aerospace
cleaner fuels which provide further air quality research and technology goals are targeting
benefits. Airports and airlines have also invested a 90% reduction in emissions of nitrogen
in low emission equipment, enabling a switch oxides from new aircraft by 2050 (Advisory
from fossil fuels to electrical power. Council for Aviation Research and Innovation in
Europe). Continued industry and Government
A wide range of operational controls have also
support towards these goals as well as
been implemented, providing air quality benefits
delivering airspace modernisation, improving
as well as other environmental gains such as
surface access to airports and introducing
reduced noise and carbon dioxide emissions.
low emission aircraft fuel and ground vehicles
Looking to the future, Sustainable Aviation will be critical to realising the sustainable
members are leading the way on research development of UK aviation.
and development – bringing forward the next
5.1 Industry collaboration to improve
air quality
Building on many years of progress in reducing members take to working collectively, and has
environmental impact, for the last ten years been implemented through a number of industry
Sustainable Aviation (SA) members have worked working groups. For example, members of the
to deliver environmental improvement across Sustainable Aviation Operational Improvement
the UK aviation industry. An overview is included Group – consisting of manufacturers, airlines,
in the report “A Decade of Progress 2005 – airports and air traffic controllers – work
2015” (Sustainable Aviation, 2015). This has consistently to deliver, implement and quantify
been achieved through the unique approach our efficiency opportunities.
UK Aviation and Air Quality Report 312014
SA
Continuous
2014 Descent
SA Operation
2013 Sustainable campaign
SA holds Fuels launched
2013 Aviation Road-Map
SA 4th Environmental published
Progress Research
2012 Report Symposium
SA updated published
2011 CO2 2015 2015
2010 SA 3rd Road-Map SA receives SA’s 10th
SA Aircraft Progress published award for Anniversary
2006 Cabin Waste Report 2013 Continuous
2nd edition of 2008 Recycling published 2013 Aerospace Descent
UK Aviation SA first CO2 Guide SA Noise Technology Institute Operation
‘Noise from Road-Map launched 2012 Road-Map (ATI) launched as campaign from
arriving published Aerospace published part of the AGP. Business in the
aircraft’ code Growth £2bn of Government Community
of practice 2012 Partnership and industry funding
launched UK Aviation (AGP) over 7 years to
2010 Departures launched, with support a long-term,
Code of Government and targeted technology
2009 SA discussion
Practice industry working strategy for UK
paper on
2006 SA 2nd
Interdependencies launched together to aerospace
SA 1st Progress secure the future
between aviation
2005 Progress Report CO2, NOx and of UK Aerospace
Report published
SA strategy noise launched
established published
with clear
goals for
achieving
sustainable
growth
Figure 5.1 Sustainable Aviation, ten years of progress
The progress made in reducing emissions is the Airbus A350, an aircraft which is made
evident at all stages of a passenger’s journey, from 53% lightweight carbon fibre and 70%
even before they reach the airport for a flight: advanced materials.
• Since 2006, 11 million extra passengers are • Airports have introduced supplies of
using public transport to access 8 major UK electricity to power aircraft parked at the
airports (over a 5% increase). terminal, reducing aircraft emissions in these
areas substantially (e.g. 47% since 2008/09 at
• Birmingham and several other airports have
Heathrow).
introduced electric vehicle charging stations
and the industry is encouraging staff to • More efficient operating procedures are being
commute sustainably – at Stansted, 45% of adopted by airlines. By taking actual aircraft
staff now do this. weight, runway length and current weather
conditions into account Thomson Airways are
• At Bristol Airport driver training is reducing
reducing emissions by cutting take-off thrust
emissions from airport buses by 12%, and
by up to 33%.
alternatively fuelled vehicles eliminating these
from other vehicles. In addition to the infographics contained in
Chapter 3, a range of case studies are presented
• Rolls-Royce has introduced the Trent XWB – the
below.
world’s most efficient aircraft engine – to power
32 www.sustainableaviation.co.ukYou can also read
