The term “operations” in the context of aviation
can be used to describe a broad range of activities including:
the flying of the airplane, the control and/or monitoring
of the aircraft by the air traffic management system, and
the conduct of various airport activities. Operations begin
with planning activities even before the passengers and
cargo are loaded, through the entire flight, until after
the passengers have disembarked and the cargo has been unloaded.
One constant that applies whenever it comes to defining
operational procedures, is that safety must always come
The operational opportunities to reduce emissions represent
a double win-win solution. First, based on the premise that
the most effective way to minimize aviation emissions is
to minimize the amount of fuel used in servicing and operating
each flight, environmental benefits that are achieved through
reduced fuel consumption also result in reduced fuel costs.
Second, operational measures do not necessarily require
the introduction of new equipment or the deployment of expensive
technologies. Instead, they are based on different ways
of operating aircraft that are already in service.
ICAO Publications and developments
In 2001, the ICAO Assembly requested the Council to promote
the use of operational measures as a means of limiting or
reducing the impact of aircraft engine emissions.
ICAO has published guidance material, in the form of the
ICAO Circular 303-AN/176 published in February 2004, on
operational opportunities to minimize fuel use and reduce
emissions. The Circular includes information on aircraft
ground level and in-flight operations, as well as ground
service equipment and auxiliary power units.
ICAO has emphasized to States that early implementation
of new communications, navigation, surveillance and air
traffic management (CNS/ATM) systems would be an effective
means of reducing fuel burn and avoiding unnecessary emissions.
The results of a preliminary study of the environmental
benefits associated with CNS/ATM and the methodology for
their assessment have been incorporated into the Global
Air Navigation Plan for CNS/ATM Systems (Doc 9750).
CAEP developed rules of thumb to assist States with estimating
the potential environmental benefits from the implementation
of new operational procedures.
Towards the future
Aircraft operations are being optimized today to improve
environmental performance while maintaining safety. With
the realization of a global, interoperable, ATM system,
in combination with technological advances, the eventual
achievement of future goals for aviation environmental performance
will become possible.