Estimation of aircraft emissions at Georgian international airport

Abstract

Abstract This study is the first which focuses on the estimation of air pollutants including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons from aircraft during landing and take-off (LTO) cycles for the year 2018 at Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia. The estimation model is based on flight data recorded by TAV Airports Holding Corporations in Georgia, including type and number of aircraft, engine type, number of passengers, and emission factors from the International Civil Aviation Organization Engine Exhaust Emission Databank were used for calculating the emissions. The total aircraft emissions during the LTO cycle were estimated as 428.78 t/y (247.33 t/y for NOx, 161.21 t/y for CO, and 20.24 t/y for HC) at Tbilisi international airport. International flights were responsible for 99% of the total LTO emissions from all flights in 2018. The results showed that NOx was mainly emitted during the take-off and climb-out modes, accounting for 27% and 37% of the total emissions. CO and HC were mostly produced during the taxi mode, accounting for 77% and 70% of the total emissions. The estimation presents that a decrease of 2 min in taxiing time will result in a decrease of approximately 5% in LTO emissions. To forecast future emissions, it was assessed that an increase of 50% in LTO cycles might cause a rise of between 55 and 60% in emissions. This study will help to create aircraft emission inventory in the Caucasus region.