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CO2 reduction

Alternative fuels Noise reduction 

A global approach

Airbus invests 80 percent of its research and development in pioneering greener flight to shape the industry for a more connected and sustainable world. A particular aim of this far-reaching effort is to reduce the man-made CO2 emissions from air transport – which currently accounts for two per cent of the world’s total.

Based on 2005 figures, Airbus has set ambitious goals: neutral growth from 2020, along with cutting the industry’s CO2 emissions in half by 2050 – which will be achieved by continued innovation and a truly global approach.

In addition to helping the aviation industry tackle the 2 per cent it contributes to man-made CO2 emissions, Airbus is also committed to supporting those tackling the other 98 per cent – such as the 17-20 per cent from deforestation, which has a significant impact on biodiversity.

Change in the “aire”

As part of its commitment to environmental performance, Airbus is a key contributor to the Atlantic Interoperability initiative to Reduce Emissions (AIRE) programme – which is spearheading energy-efficient air traffic management operations for lower engine emissions.

Jointly managed by the European Union and the U.S, AIRE aims to demonstrate future reductions in CO2 emissions from the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) programme and its U.S.-based sister initiative using current technology.

With a focus on more accurate take-off times and optimised routing, this initiative has the potential of reducing fuel burned by more than half a tonne per Atlantic crossing on average – equivalent to the reduction of over 1.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Clean on-board power

One aspect of Airbus’ approach to greener aircraft is its partnership with Parker Aerospace to develop fuel cell technology as an alternative energy source for on-ground and in-flight electrical power supply. Under terms of the agreement announced in June 2011, Airbus is responsible for overall aircraft system architecture and technology integration. Parker – an operating segment of Parker Hannifin Corporation and a longtime Airbus supplier – has expertise in multi-functional system integration, and will supply the fuel cell system and manage the different subsystem suppliers.

A primary goal of this cooperation is to develop a technology demonstrator, followed by a joint flight test campaign and additional operational and infrastructural tests. With Parker on board during the process’ early stages, Airbus believes that industrialisation can be considered throughout the entire development phase.

Multifunctional fuel cells are foreseen as a replacement for an aircraft’s Auxiliary Power Unit – gas turbine engine typically mounted in the tail – that provides onboard energy, particularly while an aircraft is on the ground.  This would reduce or eliminate the need for ground power units at airports – leading to emission-free ground operations, and also significantly reducing mission fuel consumption.

Alternative means for eco-efficiency

Airbus also is pioneering the introduction of sustainable bio fuels, which will make a significant impact on CO2 emissions. Biofuels’ emissions are no less than fossil fuels, but their supply source of plants (known as “feedstock”) fixes CO2 as they grow – offsetting what will be emitted when burned. Sustainably-produced biofuels – including feedstock and process – will result in a reduction of CO2 emissions across their lifecycle.

Airbus is working with universities, existing fuel providers, start-up companies as well as standards-developing organisations to develop such biofuels and to make them available for commercial aviation.

The ultimate Airbus vision for aviation, as shared with the sector, is to be emission neutral by 2020. To reach this goal, several research programmes have to be achieved, including the development of alternative fuels. Airbus is in collaboration with Rolls Royce, Qatar Airways, Qatar Petroleum and Shell to investigate the potential of Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) kerosene, a synthetic fuel made from natural gas.

Alternative fuels Operations Noise reduction