How airports can plot a path to more sustainable operations

The question we posed sits atop the iceberg – “Which initiative would have the most significant impact on your airport’s CO2 reduction?” 

There are myriad further initiatives than the four presented, and the evolution of existing technology and the emergence of new, will further enrich that catalogue. We unpick the results of the poll here, but ultimately part of the answer lies in transforming airport data into purposeful insight, unlocking the power of comparison, and assembling isolated roadmaps into a clear allied path towards net zero. 

A clear majority, nearly 40% of respondents, thought that time-based separation (TBS) – separating arriving aircraft based on time rather than set distances – would provide the most CO2 savings. Indeed, TBS – as part of Intelligent Approach – has already proven very successful in doing this at some of the world’s busiest airports. When asked to choose just one thing, or discount another, it is almost too easy.  Yet, we also know that airports are doing more than just one thing.  And this is where it gets really interesting, and where apprehension creeps in. The challenge comes in foreseeing the interaction between a collection of investment initiatives.  

From first to last, ‘enhance the tug operational area’ received a measly 12% of the vote.  Today, aircraft wait at departure gates with engines off until stalwart tugs push them away from the stand. But what if, after that push, the tugs – well, tugged forward – and only then the engines were switched on?  With an average of 33,000 daily flights departing Europe every day, how much CO2 could be saved by marginally decreasing the time engines are burning fuel?  However, one small change can open the door to a number of variables and unforeseen consequences. For this single polling option – without modelling capabilities to provide a shared view of potential outcomes, there are so many variations, that the default is to maintain the status quo. 

A solid third of respondents selected Fixed Electric Ground Power (FEGP) – it would seem a strong all-rounder, especially at locations where aircraft regularly remote hold for take-off. They can push off stand to achieve an “on-time departure”, remote hold plugged into FEGP and save fuel all while maintaining readiness if the slot improves.  Meanwhile the aircraft systems, avionics, and cabin temperature remain operational which is a win for passengers. In one fell swoop, we have achieved fuel savings, reduced emissions, maintained passenger comfort, achieved airline and airport operational KPIs and return on investment on initial CAPEX. Why then not a gold medal place for FEGP?  Establishing baselines to quantify and gain support for proposed changes is key for engagement across an airport ecosystem.  

In third place, Dynamic Stand Management – the Just In Time of airport ops. At a fully digitised airport, it can minimise taxiing distances, perfectly choreograph ground support with aircraft arrivals, decrease turnaround times, optimise gate usage and adapt in real time to schedule changes.  All this can create fuel, emissions and efficiency improvements.  Here, data is the hidden hero, and perhaps why it only featured at number 3 for respondents.  To fully realise the benefits, the airport needs to be ready to harness, utilise and integrate data and the magic of AI to their operation.   

Now imagine the ability to compare all your initiatives, and all of the above as well as the ones we didn’t mention, and the new ones yet to come. That’s a lot of imagination: SAF adoption, infrastructure changes, offset approaches, variable glide slope, secondary runway aiming points, alternative fuels, solar farms, fuel production, drones and electric air taxis. 

Picture optimising them alongside your airside stakeholder’s roadmaps. Data-driven modelling, like that provided by NATS’ newest analytics tool, Clarity, can give airports the evidence needed to make the most impactful investment decisions that optimises operations while working towards achieving net-zero.   

Visit us on Stand 1 at International Airport Summit, 13-14 November 2024, Amsterdam.