We are working on a number of areas to help curb emissions on our airfields.

Pre-conditioned air and fixed electrical ground power
Aircraft traditionally run one of their engines while they are parked on the ground to power the plane. This power is used to run the air-conditioning system and provide electricity to the aircraft’s systems and lighting. But running aircraft engines on the ground is an inefficient way of producing energy and is detrimental to local air quality. On all new aircraft parking stands, BAA is  providing airlines with systems that provide air conditioning and electricity from the terminal buildings so that aircraft can turn off their engines.

On-airfield airline vehicles
British Airways plans to spend more than £25 million on a new fleet of airport vehicles as part of its move to Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 5 March 2008. The number of ground vehicles required will fall by just under 40% as a result of the move.

Redesigning taxiways
BAA is investing in redesigning taxiways and piers to reduce the amount of congestion on the airfield. If aircraft can taxi between the runways and the terminal buildings more easily, it will cut the amount of time that they have to run their engines on the ground and reduce emissions.

Heathrow clean vehicles programme
BAA is promoting the use of alternative fuels at Heathrow to reduce CO2 and NOx emissions by offering a fund of £100,000 to help convert or replace inefficient vehicles. Our programme helps other companies on or around the airport achieve a more fuel-efficient and less-polluting vehicle fleet.