New estimation of air traffic emissions in France: trends and comparison with other transport modes

Abstract

Based on detailed traffic data and technological data, air emissions from air traffic have been compiled according to a revised methodology which includes refined assumptions and takes into account various parameters such as the identification of aircraft engines, relevant taxiway duration by airport, etc. Both commercial and non-commercial traffic have been considered. The new methodology allows for better compliance with specifications regarding international accounting rules for air emission inventories especially those concerning the allocation of greenhouse gas emissions under national totals. Following the description of the methodology, weak points and areas of progress, results concerning air emissions in France since 1960 to the present are presented for domestic as well as for international traffic. The revised estimation shows contrasted results compared to the previous one (overestimation for NMVOC, CO and NOx (cruise), underestimation for NOx (LTOs) and relatively similar levels for SO2 and CO2). Results are also compared to those from other transportation modes and assessments and key indicators are proposed.