Implementation of APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) and engine monitoring, alerts, and reports to support airport decarbonization, reduce air pollution, and noise pollution.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport chose Waltr to carry out this pioneering project. Since May 2025, Waltr has deployed its Aircraft Emission Tracker service, the first operational solution combining multispectral imaging and AI (Artificial Intelligence). The data transmitted by the cameras makes it possible to detect and time the use of APUs and aircraft engines in the parking area. Emissions are then identified for each rotation. Depending on usage, customizable real-time alerts are set up to reduce the time APUs and engines are used. Aircraft Emission Tracker supports the airport's decarbonization efforts, while ensuring compliance with APU usage restrictions.
21 parking lots are currently equipped with a real-time alert system. By 2027, 48 parking lots will be monitored and tracked. The project includes, on the one hand, theintegration of data into the airport's information system and, on the other hand, change management support for airport teams, airlines, and ground staff. The goal is to work together to democratize best practices.
14%
of an aircraft's ground-based emissions come from APUs¹
48
real-time monitored parking lots
7
Pollutants NOx, HC, CO, SOx, fine particles (PM), ultrafine particles (UFP), and CO2
Benefits for the airport
- Real-time measurement of APU and engine usage time to drive reduction plans and achieve ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation) targets
- Related broadcasts
- Support the adoption of measures aimed at reducing usage time
- Compliance with APU usage restriction orders
- Reliable environmental reporting (CSR, ESG, and Carbon Assessment)
- Improved relations with local residents
- Ensuring data sovereignty
Benefits for airlines
- Reduction in jet fuel consumption thanks to real-time alerts and operational support
- Improved health and quality of work for ground crews with reduced exposure to gases and noise.
- Objective data to adjust operational procedures
- Reduction in the frequency of APU maintenance.
Benefits for residents and passengers
- Improvement in air quality
- Reduction of noise pollution associated with prolonged operation of APUs and engines in parking areas
- An airport that is more respectful of the local area.
François Janin
Head of Environmental Studies & Community Relations at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
“For over a year now, we have been using the Aircraft Emission Tracker solution from our partner Waltr to automatically and systematically monitor APU usage times at nearly 50 parking positions over the next three years.This innovative initiative allows us to more accurately measure and understand the use of aircraft auxiliary engines. These measurements will initially enable us to map our GHG emissions more precisely, but will also fuel collaborative efforts to improve operational efficiency with a view to reducing these emissions. This equipment further strengthens our commitment to more sustainable and environmentally friendly operations.We are very happy and satisfied with this technology and with working with the Waltr teams.”
Thanks to more recent emission inventory of the Heathrow airport, we know that for 2019 the CO2 emissions of APU represent 14.1% and NOx emissions represent 13.5%.
Source: Walker C. (2024). Heathrow Airport Airfield Emission Inventory 2022 (Ricardo Energy & Environment reference)