As we dive into the world of aviation sustainability, I’m thrilled to speak with Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in hospitality, travel, and tourism. With her extensive background in the industry and a passion for innovation, Katarina offers a unique perspective on how airports are embracing cutting-edge technologies to drive environmental progress. Today, we’re focusing on Copenhagen Airport’s groundbreaking implementation of a new emissions control system, exploring its impact on sustainability, operations, and the broader aviation landscape.
How do Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) emissions affect the environment and communities around airports like Copenhagen?
APUs are small engines on aircraft that provide power when the main engines are off, often during ground operations. While they’re essential, they emit CO2, noise, and pollutants like ultrafine particles, which can degrade air quality. For an airport like Copenhagen, located close to urban areas, these emissions aren’t just an environmental issue—they’re a public health concern. Ultrafine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing risks to airport workers and nearby residents. Reducing APU usage is critical to minimizing these impacts and fostering a healthier environment around the airport.
What sets this new emissions control technology apart from previous methods airports used to monitor emissions?
Unlike older methods that relied on sporadic manual checks or incomplete data, this technology uses AI-powered cameras to monitor APU usage in real time during aircraft turnarounds. It provides a continuous, comprehensive view of emissions across most of the airport’s stands, something that wasn’t possible before. This system captures detailed data, even factoring in variables like weather, giving airports a clearer picture of usage patterns and enabling them to act with precision rather than guesswork.
Why has reducing APU usage been such a persistent challenge for airports globally until now?
One major hurdle has been the lack of real-time, reliable data. Without knowing exactly when and why APUs are running, it’s tough to implement effective reduction strategies. Factors like weather play a huge role—extreme cold might require longer warmup times, while hot weather demands more cabin cooling. These variables make usage unpredictable, and without tools to track them, airports have struggled to address the issue systematically. It’s been a blind spot for the industry for years.
As the first airport to deploy this technology on such a wide scale, how does this position Copenhagen in terms of sustainability leadership?
Copenhagen Airport is setting a powerful example by being the pioneer in this space. This move solidifies their reputation as a frontrunner in aviation sustainability, showing that they’re not just talking about net-zero goals but actively investing in solutions to get there. Compared to other major hubs, they’re ahead of the curve, and I believe this will inspire other airports to follow suit. It’s a bold statement that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Can you explain how real-time data from this system empowers the operations team at Copenhagen to make smarter decisions?
The system provides a user-friendly interface that delivers actionable insights into APU usage patterns. Operations teams can see exactly when APUs are running longer than necessary, especially in cases where ground power alternatives are available. This data helps them pinpoint inefficiencies and understand the reasons behind them—whether it’s a procedural issue or an external factor like weather. Armed with this information, they can adjust guidelines and work with partners to cut down on unnecessary emissions.
In what ways does this technology create benefits for airlines operating at Copenhagen, beyond the airport’s own goals?
Airlines stand to gain significantly from reduced fuel consumption, which directly lowers their operational costs. By using real-time data to minimize APU runtime, they burn less fuel during ground operations. Additionally, ground handlers play a key role by ensuring alternatives like ground power units are used whenever possible. This collaborative approach not only cuts costs but also aligns airlines with sustainability goals, enhancing their environmental footprint alongside the airport’s efforts.
What is your forecast for the future of emissions monitoring and reduction strategies in the aviation industry?
I’m optimistic that we’re on the cusp of a major shift. Technologies like the one at Copenhagen are just the beginning—real-time monitoring will likely become standard across airports worldwide as the push for sustainability intensifies. I expect we’ll see more AI-driven solutions, integrated with broader airport systems, to tackle not just APU emissions but other sources as well. The data we’re starting to collect will drive smarter policies and innovations, potentially transforming aviation into a much greener industry over the next decade.
