Environment
Air Quality
Managing Our Impact
Adelaide Airport is situated within a densely urbanised area, bordered by a mix of residential, recreational, and industrial land uses, as well as with three major state-controlled roads. For more than a decade, the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has monitored air quality in the western Adelaide airshed, previously situated in the suburb of Netley however, since its decommissioning, the nearest station is now located and referred to in the Adelaide CBD.
Adelaide Airport Ltd (AAL) is responsible for managing air emissions generated by ground-based activities at Adelaide Airport. This covers activities such as refuelling, painting, cleaning, machining, mechanical maintenance, generator use, commercial cooking, and construction. A diverse range of stakeholders play a role in managing and regulating air quality within the aviation industry, outlined in the table below.
| Organisation | Role |
|---|---|
| Airlines | Purchasing and maintenance of suitable aircraft for the flight routes in and out of Adelaide Airport. |
| Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) | Regulating and ensuring safe operation of civil aviation in Australia, including approval and use of new aircraft types in Australia. |
| Airservices Australia | Management of Australia’s airspace to maintain control over aircraft movement in and out of Australian airports; design of flight paths; management of complaints and enquiries relating to air quality and noise. |
| Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications | Development and enforcement of the policy and regulatory framework for airports and the aviation industry including Airports Act 1996 and the Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997. |
| Environment Protection Authority (EPA) | Regulating and monitoring of ambient air quality in South Australia as per South Australia’s Environment Protection Act 1993 and the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016. |
| Adelaide Airport Consultative Committee and Technical Working Group |
The primary forum for AAL to engage with local communities surrounding the airport on any airport matter potentially affecting the local community. The Adelaide Airport Technical Working Group sub-committee investigates technical or complex issues brought to the AACC and investigates improvement opportunities. |
Air Quality Management
AAL has historically undertaken ad-hoc air quality monitoring to ensure a better understanding of the local air quality. These studies have focussed on monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), air quality modelling, and particulate matter.
Findings have shown ambient air pollutant concentrations at Adelaide Airport to be consistent with those observed in the surrounding area. This suggests that regional airshed influences, such as emissions from traffic and industry, are more dominant contributors, rather than local pollutant sources. Despite this, AAL has developed a comprehensive Air Quality and Noise Management Plan (AQNMP) in conjunction with external consultants to manage air quality and ground-based noise at both Adelaide and Parafield Airports.
The ANQMP sets out requirements for monitoring and communication consultation and sets performance targets for maximum pollutant levels for on- and off-airport environments.
Both Adelaide and Parafield Airports are subject to routine monitoring, as well as ad hoc monitoring, under the ANQMP. including the following air quality parameters:
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Ozone (O3)
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
- Particulates with diameters less than 10 micrometres (PM10) and 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5)
In addition to air quality monitoring, measures have been implemented to actively reduce air pollution from ground-based sources. Such as, the provision of fixed electrical ground power units (GPUs) pre-conditioned air units (PCAs) at Terminal 1 parking stands for aircrafts to use when parked to reduce engine run time and minimise use of jet fuel.
In addition to air quality monitoring, measures have been implemented to actively reduce air pollution from ground-based sources. Such as, the provision of fixed electrical ground power units (GPUs) pre-conditioned air units (PCAs) at Terminal 1 parking stands for aircrafts to use when parked to reduce engine run time and minimise use of jet fuel.
Future Planning
The aviation industry is continually advancing aircraft design to reduce environmental impact. Modern, more efficient aircraft now operating in Australia produce significantly lower air emissions, helping reduce the sector’s contribution to climate change.
Looking ahead, the next 20 years may see transformative changes in air travel, including the adoption of sustainable biofuel, electro-powered aircraft, supersonic aircraft, air taxis, and increased use of aircraft drones for both commercial and logistics purposes.
AAL is proactively planning for this future by investing in infrastructure capable of supporting new generation aircraft - such as the Boeing B787 Dreamliner, B737 MAX, and B777X, and Airbus neo aircraft types). We are committed to facilitate and encourage the adoption of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient aircraft technologies.