Determination of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions with the real-time engine running data of aircrafts in the taxi-out period

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to calculate the fuel consumption and emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) in the taxi-out period of aircraft at the International Diyarbakir Airport in 2018 and 2019. Design/methodology/approach – Calculations were performed by determining the engine operating times in the taxi-out period with the flight data obtained from the airport authority. In the analyses, aircraft series and aircraft engine types were determined, and the Engine Exhaust Emission Databank of the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) were used for the calculation. Findings – Total fuel consumption in the taxi-out period in 2018 and 2019 was calculated as 525.64 and 463.69 tons, respectively. In 2018, HC, CO and NOx emissions caused by fuel consumption were found to be 1,109, 10,668 and 2,339 kg, respectively. In 2019, the total HC, CO and NOx emissions released to the atmosphere during the taxi-out phase are 966, 9,391 and 2,126 kg, respectively. B737 Series aircraft have the largest share in total fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. Practical implications – This study explains the importance of determining fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by considering engine operating times in the taxi-out period. The study provides aviation authorities with scientific methods to follow in calculating fuel consumption and emissions from aircraft operations. Originality/value – The originality of this study is the calculation of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by determining real-time engine running times in the taxi-out period. In addition, calculations were made with real engine operating times determined in the taxi-out period using real flight data.