DGCA proposes new fuel emission norms for airlines, airports

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked airlines and airports to devise efficient flight procedures such as reducing aircraft weight and using renewable energy to cut fuel burn and control emissions.

These measures are part of the DGCA’s draft regulations on ‘Climate Change Initiatives and Local Air Quality Monitoring in Civil Aviation’.  While the total number of aircraft movements in India increased 3.6 per cent in 2013 over 2012, carbon emissions per flight dropped 0.22 per cent (8,706 kg to 8,687 kg), according to a DGCA study. This was the result of fuel-saving measures and induction of new efficient planes.

“Proper weight management shall be ensured on the aircraft. Carriage of items like old magazines and newspapers, excess duty free material, extra water in the tanks not required for the flight, pillows and blankets, excessive crew baggage, extra airline magazines, empty baggage and cargo containers, etc shall be avoided on board the aircraft,” the draft regulations said.

Similarly, airports will have to continuously monitor the air quality to measure pollutants and manage emissions through the use of renewable energy, alternate fuels, provision for pre-conditioned air units to cool the aircraft on ground and assess the use of ground service equipment and vehicles at airports.

Already airports including Mumbai and Delhi are monitoring air quality and have achieved global accreditation in controlling emissions. In Bengaluru airport bio fuel is used for ground vehicles.

Mumbai airport has developed a 650 Kw solar power plant in its domestic terminal and is undergoing trials. Delhi airport already has developed a solar plant and Airport Authority of India too is developing solar plants at 30 airports.