What is an APU?
Definition of an APU
The APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) is a small turbine located at the rear of the aircraft. It provides electricity, air conditioning, and the pressure needed to start the main engines when they are shut down.
Usefulness of APU during ground phases of an aircraft
Essential for ground operations, the APU enables airlines to ensure comfort, safety, and operational autonomy when the aircraft is parked.
The limits of prolonged use
However, its prolonged use results in significant costs, polluting emissions, and nuisance for local residents and ground personnel.
Why reduce the use of APUs on the ground?
Limiting the use of aircraft APUs is a strategic lever for airports.From an environmental perspective, these turbines consume a lot of fuel and emit CO₂, NOx, and fine particles that cause respiratory problems and local pollution.Operationally, every minute of unnecessary APU use represents a direct cost to the airline and increases equipment wear and tear.Finally, from a social perspective, the noise generated by these units can affect passenger comfort, the quality of life of local residents, and the health of ground staff.
Environmental and economic benefits
Reducing the use of APUs has tangible impacts on several levels:- CO2 emissions and local pollutants are significantly reduced, directly contributing to airport decarbonization goals.- Noise pollution is reduced, improving the comfort of local residents and the health of ground crews.- Financial savings on fuel consumption and APU maintenance, enabling airlines to achieve significant cost savings.
Alternatives for reducing APU usage
Several solutions are available to reduce or replace the use of APUs on the ground:- Preconditioned Air Units ( PCA ) supply air conditioning directly to the parking area- Electric GPUs (Ground Power Units) power electrical systems without combustion- Innovative solutions, such as Waltr'sAircraft Emission Tracker, which use patented imagers coupled with artificial intelligence to measure and analyze APU usage in real time, sending real-time alerts to optimize each rotation and reduce jet fuel expenses.
The regulatory framework and best practices
Many European and French airports, such as Nice Airport,Nice Airport, have implemented restrictions on the prolonged operation of APUs in order to comply with environmental standards and reduce pollution. Reducing APU use also contributes to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting and ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation) objectives. To make this transition a success, airports must combine staff awareness, automated data monitoring, and the deployment of alternative solutions such as the Aircraft Emission Tracker.
Case studies and concrete results
Experiments conducted at airports such as Nice Côte d'Azur and Lyon Saint Exupéry show that reducing APU use by just a few minutes per rotation can cut CO2 emissions by 10 to 20% and save up to €1.2 million in fuel costs.
Reduce the use of APUs at your airport
Limiting the use of APUs on the ground is a winning strategy for airports and airlines. Waltr offers customized solutions to reduce ground emissions, objectively measure your performance, and lower your costs.