In a world where aviation is the lifeblood of global trade and travel, the industry’s carbon footprint is under the microscope like never before. A recent study, led by Xiaokang Liu from the Institute of Carbon Neutrality at Peking University in Beijing, China, has shed light on how weather conditions can significantly influence aircraft carbon emissions during takeoff and landing. Published in the journal ‘Transport Economics and Management’ (or ‘Transport Economics and Management’ in English), the research offers valuable insights for the maritime sector, which is closely intertwined with aviation in the logistics and supply chain management.
The study focused on the 25 busiest international airports in 2019 and examined how various meteorological factors affect emissions during the landing and takeoff (LTO) cycle. The LTO cycle, which includes taxiing, takeoff, climb, approach, and landing, is a critical phase where a significant portion of an aircraft’s emissions occur. By integrating flight-level emissions data with high-resolution weather data, the researchers found that weather conditions can indeed make a difference in how much carbon dioxide aircraft emit during these phases.
So, what weather factors are we talking about? According to the study, higher temperatures, lower atmospheric pressure, reduced cloud base height, and intense precipitation or snow cover can all lead to increased per-flight carbon emissions. These effects are particularly pronounced during taxiing operations. Xiaokang Liu explains, “Meteorological factors exert statistically significant and heterogeneous impacts across flight phases.”
For the maritime sector, these findings present both challenges and opportunities. Airlines and airport operators may need to adapt their strategies to account for weather-driven variability in emissions. This could involve optimizing flight schedules, improving ground handling procedures, or investing in more efficient aircraft technologies. On the other hand, the study’s findings could also open up new avenues for collaboration between the aviation and maritime sectors. For instance, better coordination between airlines and shipping companies could help reduce the overall carbon footprint of global supply chains.
The study also highlights substantial spatial heterogeneity in emissions, meaning that the impact of weather conditions can vary greatly depending on the location of the airport. This underscores the importance of tailored, location-specific strategies for reducing emissions. As Xiaokang Liu notes, “Sensitivity also varied across climate zones, airport infrastructure, and operating procedures.”
In conclusion, this research provides a more nuanced understanding of how weather conditions can influence aviation emissions. For the maritime sector, it offers a chance to reassess and optimize logistics and supply chain management practices, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and efficient global trade network. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, such insights are invaluable in guiding the way forward.