What determines aviation emissions? 

Aviation emissions reflect the level of overall aviation activity. The growth of air travel for the past several decades has been very rapid. Demand for travel services, both passenger travel and freight transportation, is increasing substantially.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics a 21.5 percent increase in population, 32 percent increase in the labor force, and 90 percent increase in GDP between 1980 and 2000 have driven this demand.

The chart shows the growth of aviation and the economy. Demand for air travel grows as the economy grows and prosperity increases. Over the long term, we expect that demand for air transportation will continue to grow rapidly to support our economic productivity, our quality of life, and our national security. 

• 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?