There is an understandable interest in comparing aviation emissions to other sources in local air quality areas. For example, the total mass of emissions coming from an airport may be comparable to those of a power plant or petroleum refinery in the same region.  

Airports, however, are quite different from non transportation sources. Like cities, they are comprised of a variety of different emission sources. Aircraft arrive at the airport, stay for a short period and depart, with a different aircraft taking off or landing every few minutes. 

Passenger cars, shuttle buses, and taxis calling on the airport do not operate there exclusively, also serving homes and retail, commercial, and governmental establishments. Power boilers and chillers at the airport are independently permitted, as is similar equipment at other locations. For these reasons it is difficult to compare the composite of sources that make up an airport to another emission source like an industrial facility or power plant even when their magnitude of emissions is similar.

 

• What emissions come from aviation?

• What determines aviation emissions?

• What have been the trends in aviation emissions?

• How do aviation emissions compare to general trends in local air pollutants?

• How do aviation local emissions compare to other transportation sources?

• Can a comparison be made between aviation emissions and non-transportation sources?

• What role does aviation emissions play with regard to greenhouse gas issues?

• How do aviation’s greenhouse gas emissions compare to other transportation sources?

• How are aviation emissions regulated?

• What is being done today to reduce aviation emissions?

• What steps are being taken to reduce aviation emissions in the longer-term?