In addition to improved aircraft design, it is primarily optimised engine systems that contribute to reducing pollutants by aviation. Fuel consumption per passenger kilometre has fallen greatly since the 1960s. Switzerland is participating in a project that aims to change air traffic in Central Europe so that flights take more direct and fewer indirect routes to airports than at present.
As well as improved aircraft design, it is primarily optimised engine systems that contribute to reducing pollutants caused by aviation. Fuel consumption per passenger kilometre has fallen greatly since the 1960s.
In modern aircraft engines, fuel is used much more efficiently than in the past and there is almost no residue in the combustion process. While this leads to a reduction of CO2, conversely it generally also produces higher nitrogen oxide emissions. These are formed almost automatically in the engine systems from elements of the air. However, the industry is making great technical efforts and showing strong financial commitment to reducing not just CO2 in future, but also nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions.
Shorter flight routes laed to lower kerosene consumption and less environmental pollution. The industry is also trying to save on fuel (and costs) by improving operational procedures. At Zurich airport, for example, aircraft only leave the gate if the path to the runway is clear in order to avoid queues before take-off like at other airports.
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