Canada’s Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aviation

Contents

Preamble

While air travel supports Canada’s economy, trade and tourism, and connects Canadians separated by great distances and rugged terrain, it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. This voluntary Action Plan expresses how the parties, in good faith, intend to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation activities.

It does not contain legal obligations of any kind or impose unreasonable expectations on any party, or intend to negatively impact any air carrier’s ability to do business in Canada.

The Government of Canada reserves the right to develop and implement appropriate regulatory or other measures to achieve clean air and climate change goals. Nothing in this Action Plan will keep the Parties from taking further actions relating to greenhouse gas emissions or fuel use.

Dated at Ottawa this 1st day of June 2012

Honourable Denis Lebel,
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Transport Canada

Jim Quick, President and CEO
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada

John McKenna, President and CEO
Air Transport Association of Canada

Daniel-Robert Gooch, President
Canadian Airports Council

Sam Barone, President and CEO
Canadian Business Aviation Association

George Petsikas, President
National Airlines Council of Canada

John W. Crichton, President and CEO
NAV CANADA

 

 

Executive Summary

Building on the success of the world’s first voluntary agreement to address greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions from aviation, the Government of Canada and the Canadian aviation industry have developed Canada’s Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aviation (the Action Plan).

Taking into account achievements to date, as well as the Canadian context, the Action Plan sets an ambitious goal to reduce GHG emissions from both domestic and international operations, which we expect to contribute to global efforts to minimize aviation’s carbon footprint.

In line with the broad international consensus, the Action Plan sets an aspirational goal to improve fuel efficiency from a 2005 baseline by an average annual rate of at least 2 percent per year until 2020. To help ensure we reach this goal, the Action Plan identifies three key measures that are expected to have the greatest environmental impact:

  • Fleet Renewals and Upgrades;
  • More Efficient Air Operations; and
  • Improved Capabilities in Air Traffic Management.

The Action Plan also highlights a second set of measures. The Canadian aviation industry expects these measures to have beneficial environmental results, but these results are not expressed in quantitative terms due to the nature or current stage of the activity. These include:

  • Aviation Environmental Research and Development;
  • Alternative Fuels;
  • Airport Ground Operations and Infrastructure Use;
  • Regulatory Measures; and
  • International Coordination.

The Action Plan is a living document that will evolve through:

  • Semi-annual meetings between government officials and the Canadian aviation industry;
  • Annual reporting on the progress towards achievement of the Action Plan’s fuel efficiency target;
  • A review of the Action Plan, that will occur in three years; and
  • An audit that will occur at least once over the next five years.

1.0 Background

Under the Cancun Agreements, Canada has committed to a national greenhouse gas ( GHG ) reduction target of 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. The Government of Canada has been working towards this target by addressing GHG emissions on a sector-by-sector basis.

The aviation industry1 and the Government of Canada have been working together to reduce domestic and international GHG emissions from the aviation sector since 2005. Any future efforts to reduce domestic aviation emissions will contribute to Canada’s broader 17 percent climate change target.

In October 2010, the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO ) adopted a new Assembly Resolution on climate change, Resolution A37-19. It set several voluntary goals for international aviation emissions, including:

  • A global annual average fuel efficiency improvement of 2 percent until 2020;
  • A medium-term aspirational goal of keeping the annual global net carbon emissions from international aviation from 2020 onward at the same (2020) level; and
  • A global aspirational goal of 2 percent annual fuel efficiency improvement from 2021 to 2050.

To help ICAO track progress towards reaching these goals, the resolution encourages Member States to submit action plans detailing specific measures to address GHG emissions related to international aviation to ICAO by June 2012.

A joint government-industry Working Group on Aviation Emissions (the Working Group) was established in 2010 to develop a plan to address GHG emissions from the domestic aviation sector, as well as to collaborate on the development of the Government of Canada’s submission to ICAO . This collaboration builds on existing efforts to address GHG emissions, such as:

  • The 2005 voluntary agreement signed between the Air Transport Association of Canada ( ATAC ) and Transport Canada;
  • The work undertaken by the Canadian Airports Council ( CAC ) and Transport Canada to develop a quantification methodology for GHG emissions at Canadian airports; and
  • The efforts of NAV CANADA to identify and quantify the results of past GHG reduction initiatives in its annual CIFER (Collaborative Initiatives for Emissions Reductions) Reports since 1997.

2.0 Canada’s Aspirational Goals for Aviation

Canada’s Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aviation (the Action Plan) describes ongoing and planned activities to reduce GHG emissions from Canada’s domestic and international aviation activities. These measures could contribute to both Canada’s national GHG emission reduction target of 17 percent below 2005 by 2020 and ICAO ’s global goals.

In order to reduce GHG emissions from Canada’s aviation sector, Canada has set a target of:

  • Average annual improvements in aviation fuel efficiency of at least 2 percent per year until 2020 from a 2005 baseline, measured in litres of fuel per Revenue Tonne Kilometre ( RTK ).

The 2005 baseline is consistent with Canada’s commitments under the Cancun Agreements. In 2005, the average fuel efficiency rate for Canadian air carriers was 40.46 litres of fuel per 100  RTK (see Appendix A for more details).

Through its efforts, Canada’s aviation sector supports the following global aspirational goals:

  • Carbon neutral growth from 2020 onwards; and
  • Absolute GHG emission reductions by 2050.

3.0 Canadian Context

Understanding the role of the aviation sector in Canada helps put the potential impact and feasibility of Canada’s target and global goals in context.

Based on land mass, Canada is the second largest country in the world. Its population of 33 million is scattered across 9 million square kilometres. This means that air transportation is essential to Canada’s domestic and international trade, as well as to connecting Canadians within the country and to the rest of the world. Canada’s air industry also serves remote communities where it is often the only way to move people and basic commodities.

Average distances flown domestically per passenger are considerably higher in Canada than in countries with smaller landmass. For example, in 2009:

  • The domestic average distance per passenger flown was about 1325 kilometres in Canada,2 compared to about 425 kilometres3 in the United Kingdom; and
  • The domestic average distance per tonne of cargo flown in Canada, was about 1050 kilometres,4 compared to about 385 kilometres in the United Kingdom.5

Aviation plays a key role in Canada’s economy. In 2009, the aviation sector carried over 71 million passengers and 762,000 tonnes of freight to, from and within Canada. Air transportation contributes $33 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) and supports 401,000 jobs in Canada (2.4 percent of the Canada’s workforce). By including the sector’s contribution to the tourism industry, these figures rise to 2.8 percent of Canadian GDP and 551,000 jobs, or 3.3 percent of the workforce.6

The 26 National Airport System ( NAS ) airports provide access to air transportation to Canadians with airport passenger volumes of up to 31 million in 2010 (see Figure 1). Airports across Canada strive to be as competitive as possible to meet the needs of local, provincial, and national economies. To do so, airports must be safe and secure, and have processes in place to efficiently move people and goods, address environmental issues, and provide excellent service.

Figure 1—National Airport System (NAS) Airports and 2010 Passenger Volumes

 


Source: Transport Canada, Economic Analysis.
Note: Mirabel, a NAS airport, is not included because it does not serve passengers.

4.0 Recent Achievements

4.1. Actions Taken

In 2008, aviation emissions made up 5 percent of domestic emissions from transportation and 1 percent of total Canadian emissions (see Figure 2).7 Despite the high and rising demand for airline services in Canada, the Canadian aviation industry has made real progress towards limiting its carbon footprint.

Figure 2—Aviation’s Contribution to Canada’s Total GHG Emissions

 


Source: Environment Canada, Canada’s Emissions Trends, 2011.8

Figure 2—Aviation’s Contribution to Canada’s Total GHG Emissions:
Diagram 1 - Total GHG Emissions: 734 Mt in 2008
Sector Megatonnes ( Mt ) Percentage %
Building 79 Mt 11%
Agriculture 75 Mt 10%
Waste and other 55 Mt 8%
Transportation 171 Mt 23%
Electricity 120 Mt 16%
Oil and Gas 158 Mt 22%
Emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries 76 Mt 10%

 

Figure 2—Aviation’s Contribution to Canada’s Total GHG Emissions:
Diagram 2 - Transport Sector Emissions: 171 Mt in 2008
Mode Megatonnes ( Mt ) Percentage %
On-Road Passenger 77.2 Mt 45%
On-Road Freight 63.7 Mt 37%
Rail 7.1 Mt 4%
Air 8.5 Mt 5%
Marine 5.8 Mt 4%
Other1 8.5 Mt 5%

1Other includes off-road gasoline (e.g. all-terrain vehicles) and refrigerant leakage from vehicle air conditioners.

In June 2005, ATAC and Transport Canada signed the world’s first voluntary agreement to address GHG emissions from both domestic and international aviation operations. The agreement set a goal of a 1.1 percent average annual improvement in fuel efficiency for each year to 2012, a cumulative improvement of 24 percent, compared to the 1990 baseline.

In 2008, the large Canadian carriers (Air Canada, Jazz Aviation LP, Air Transat, and WestJet) left ATAC and formed the National Airlines Council of Canada ( NACC ). Since then, both associations have continued to fulfill their commitments under the voluntary agreement, annually reporting fuel consumption and activity measurements.

A number of key initiatives have been put in place to:

  1. Increase the fuel efficiency of the Canadian aircraft fleet and its operations;
  2. Improve the efficiency of Canada’s air traffic management system; and
  3. Modernize airport facilities.

Highlights include:

  • Canadian airlines invested about $13.5 billion from 2005 to 2010, to modernize their fleets, which brings newer, quieter, and more fuel-efficient aircraft into operation. For example, Air Canada, Jazz Aviation LP, and WestJet, Canada’s three largest airlines, have an average fleet age of about twelve years (see Appendix D for more details). They also adopted operational, maintenance, and planning procedures to ensure that their current aircraft operate under optimal conditions to increase fuel efficiency.
     
  • NAV CANADA, which is the private corporation that owns and operates Canada’s civil air navigation service, has invested over $1.7 billion since 1996 to modernize Canada’s air navigation system. These investments have helped improve safety and operational efficiency for all customers, and have facilitated reductions in fuel burn and GHG emissions.

    NAV CANADA reports on the various collaborative initiatives that support the reduced impact of aviation on the environment through the CIFER Reports.9

    NAV CANADA has made significant progress towards adopting performance-based navigation ( PBN )10, using existing specifications and instrument procedure design criteria. Furthermore, NAV CANADA established a PBN Working Group with customers and stakeholders, which developed a PBN implementation framework and concept of operations for Canada. NAV CANADA has also played a key role in developing the ICAO PBN guidance material and navigation specifications.
     
  • Canadian airports have invested more than $14 billion in capital infrastructure commitments and improvements since the devolution of airports began in 1992. These upgrades include:
     
    • Using more renewable energy sources in their operations;
    • Adding electrical and alternative fuel vehicles to their ground support equipment; and
    • Installing equipment at gates to reduce the use of aircraft auxiliary power units ( APU s).

Together, these investments have greatly contributed to modernizing Canada’s airline, airport, and air traffic management infrastructure, which was ranked first according to the World Economic Forum in 2011.11

4.2 Results

As of 2010, Canada’s aviation industry had made a 1.9 percent average annual fuel efficiency improvement since 1990, or a 31 percent cumulative improvement, which exceeds the agreed-upon goal in the voluntary agreement. While absolute domestic and international emissions have grown at an average annual rate of 1 percent between 1990 and 2010, this rate would have been much higher without these fuel efficiency improvements (see Figure 3). One estimate suggests that the fuel efficiency gains achieved between 2001 and 2010 from fleet renewal, operational, and air traffic management improvements have reduced emissions by 18 million tonnes below what they would have been without such measures.12

Figure 3—GHG Emissions Saved With Fuel Efficiency Gains between 2001 and 2010

 


Source: 2010 Canadian Aviation Industry Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions reductions, March 2012.

Figure 3 - GHG Emissions Saved With Fuel Efficiency Gains between 2001 and 2010
  2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Fuel Efficiency in Litres/100 RTK 46.51 43.50 44.01 41.28 40.46 40.47 38.98 39.49 38.65 37.90
GHG Emissions at 2001 Efficiency 12.35 12.67 12.39 13.15 14.36 15.24 16.91 16.79 15.62 17.61
Actual GHG 12.35 11.85 11.72 11.67 12.49 13.26 14.17 14.25 12.98 14.47

4.3 Moving Forward

To build on the aviation sector’s fuel efficiency advances thus far, the Canadian aviation industry, together with the Government of Canada, must address a number of challenges and explore new opportunities. This is why Canada’s Action Plan takes a sustainable development approach by taking into account the economic, social and environmental impacts of each measure.

Transport Canada forecasts that domestic air traffic will grow at an average annual rate of 2.8 percent until 2020, while international air traffic will grow at a rate of 4.4 percent (see Figure 4). Transport Canada’s forecast is largely in line with the air traffic forecasts produced by the aviation industry.13

Figure 4—Forecasted Growth of Passenger Traffic by Sector

 


Source: Transport Canada, Economic Analysis.

Figure 4 - Forecasted Growth of Passenger Traffic by Sector:
Enplaned and Deplaned Revenue Passengers (millions)
  Domestic International
2010 64 41
2011 66 44
2012 68 47
2013 71 49
2014 73 51
2015 75 53
2016 77 55
2017 79 58
2018 81 60
2019 83 63
2020 85 64

The accuracy of all traffic forecasts depend on a number of variables, including economic conditions. Transport Canada’s forecast was produced in June 2011 and does not reflect the recent economic turmoil in international financial markets.

In response to changing markets, Canadian airlines continually modernize their fleets and adjust fleet use. NACC airlines plan to invest over $13.7 billion more between 2011 and 2020. When compared to earlier investments in fleet modernization from 2001 to 2010, the resulting fuel efficiency gains will be relatively small because the next significant gains will likely occur after 2020, through new aircraft designs, new engines, etc.

The fleet renewal efficiency gains are dependent on two assumptions:

  1. New aircraft will be delivered on schedule. One major air carrier’s aircraft acquisition program, for example, is currently four years behind schedule due to manufacturing issues. Delays will impact anticipated fuel efficiency improvements; and
  2. All replaced aircraft will be retired from service. However, if these aircraft remain in or return to service, this could impact fuel efficiency improvements. Older aircraft may be brought back into service to provide additional capacity to meet market demand.

Canada’s air traffic management system and airport facilities have also been greatly improved over the past two decades. So, while real environmental benefits have been realized, the expected growth in air traffic will require the Canadian aviation industry to continue to make further advances.

Moving forward, the development of sustainable alternative aviation fuels will be a key initiative required by the aviation industry to meet the global aspirational goal of carbon neutral growth from 2020. Substantial advances in developing and commercializing sustainable alternative aviation fuels will be needed in light of the key issues related to limited fuel options and availability of supply for aviation.

In 2006, the Government of Canada developed a comprehensive renewable fuels strategy primarily focussed on on-road transportation with four key elements:

  1. A regulation to establish minimum biofuels content for gasoline and diesel;
  2. Programs to support farmer participation in the industry;
  3. A production incentive to stimulate domestic production; and
  4. Initiatives to support next generation technologies.

The Government of Canada will continue to assess the progress of the renewable fuels strategy and analyze areas for future policy development.

Canada recognizes the interdependencies of the environmental effects from aviation, such as noise and engine emissions, which affect the global climate and local air quality. Canada also recognizes that there will be tradeoffs among environmental objectives, such as between noise and emission reductions. These interdependencies will be considered when establishing policies and measures to minimize or reduce these effects, recognizing that the interdependencies could limit the full potential of the environmental benefit of the proposed measures.

5.0 Measures

The measures detailed below will help Canada achieve the fuel efficiency target over the next five years (see Appendices B and C for more details). These measures are listed separately from those in the next section (Section 6) because they represent the greatest opportunities to improve fuel efficiency and reduce GHGs .

5.1 Fleet Renewals and Upgrades

  • Canadian airlines expect to achieve an average annual fuel efficiency improvement of 0.7 percent for both domestic and international flights between 2005 and 2020 through further fleet changes.14
  • The Canadian Business Aviation Association ( CBAA ) will encourage its members to take advantage of opportunities to reduce GHG emissions through fleet renewal.

5.2 More Efficient Air Operations

  • Canadian airlines expect to achieve an average annual fuel efficiency improvement of 0.2 percent for both domestic and international flights between 2005 and 2020 through improved operations.15
  • CBAA will encourage its members to continue to adopt operational improvements to reduce emissions.
  • Transport Canada will continue to work through ICAO to help prepare and provide guidance, and to encourage technology and operational improvements. This includes updating ICAO Circular 303 Operational Opportunities to Minimize Fuel Use and Reduce Emissions, which was published in 2003, into a new ICAO manual, expected to be completed in 2012.
  • NACC , ATAC , and CBAA will encourage their members to continue to take advantage of the opportunities presented in the new ICAO manual.

5.3 Improved Capabilities in Air Traffic Management

  • Performance-based Navigation ( PBN ) —Shifting from sensor-based to performance-based navigation will enable more efficient en route and airport operations for equipped aircraft, reducing fuel burned and associated GHG emissions.

    Building on existing PBN activities, further implementation could improve average annual fuel efficiency by 1 to 2 percent between 2005 and 2020. The benefits resulting from PBN will be dependent upon the following:
     
    • Approval by Transport Canada for use of the United States Federal Aviation Authority ( FAA ) Order 8260.54A and 8260.52 instrument procedure design criteria;
    • Development and approval of guidance by Transport Canada for Operations Specifications in support of the use of FAA Order 8260.52 criteria;
    • Acceptance of new ICAO PBN Navigation Specifications; and
    • Timely identification and incorporation of necessary regulatory changes to support PBN .
       
    Transport Canada, NAV CANADA and the Canadian aviation industry will work together to develop and put in place an ICAO State PBN Implementation Plan for Canada. To support Canada’s PBN Plan:
     
    • Transport Canada will develop a PBN policy framework by spring 2012. It will set out the scope, opportunities, and guiding principles for adopting PBN in Canada.
    • Transport Canada will continue to move short- and medium-term solutions forward to advance PBN in Canada. These measures include:
      • Incorporating new PBN -based Canadian air navigation procedures, aligned with those of the United States FAA ; and
      • Continuing to work with ICAO to develop and incorporate new international procedures for Canada’s air navigation system.
    • The Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council ( CARAC ) PBN Working Group, which includes representatives from Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, and the Canadian aviation industry, will identify, within the next two years, the regulatory requirements and any other non-regulatory mechanisms to help determine short-, medium-, and long-term opportunities for adopting PBN . The work of the PBN Working Group began in fall 2011.
       
  • Surveillance—NAV CANADA has and will continue to use technologies that increase surveillance capability and coverage to maximize benefits and minimize costs. Increased surveillance capability, both airborne and on the ground, will result in more efficient air operations. Benefits include:
    • Increased airspace capacity;
    • Faster response times to pilot requests;
    • More flexible routing; and
    • Fewer ground delays.

NAV CANADA will also continue to use existing mechanisms to engage customers and stakeholders who may be affected by any changes to the Air Navigation System.

6.0 Additional Measures

Appendices Band C for more details), whose expected results are not expressed in quantitative terms due to the nature of the activity or their current stage of implementation. These measures will be essential to achieving the long-term aspirational goals.

6.1 Aviation Environmental Research and Development

Significant research efforts are underway to minimize or reduce aviation’s environmental impacts and to inform the development of future regulations. This research provides valuable information to the Government of Canada, ICAO , other governments, industry and communities on how to best address these environmental impacts. Research findings will be shared with interested parties, including Working Group members. The research is being directed in a number of key areas, including:

  • Green Aviation Research & Development Network ( GARDN )—With an initial budget of $24 million over four years (2009–13), this Canadian business-led Network of Centres of Excellence continues to undertake research and development of technologies that will help reduce GHG emissions. GARDN presently administers 15 projects involving nearly 30 partners, half from industry and half from academia and research centres. These projects are guided by the following research themes:
    • Source Noise Reductions;
    • Source Emission Reductions;
    • Materials and Manufacturing Processes;
    • Airport Operations;
    • Aircraft Operations;
    • Alternative Fuels; and
    • Product Lifecycle Measurement.
       
  • Partnership for AiR Transportation Noise and Emissions Reduction ( PARTNER )—This is a U.S. Federal Aviation Authority Center of Excellence, sponsored by the FAA , NASA, Transport Canada, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. PARTNER research fosters advances in science and decision-making to improve mobility, the economy, and the environment. Canada is committed to continue its support of PARTNER . Since 2003, PARTNER has dedicated US$44 million to research in areas such as:
    • Emissions;
    • Operations;
    • Alternative Fuels;
    • Tools, System-level, and Policy Assessment; and
    • Noise.
       
  • Canada’s National Research Council ( NRC )—The NRC will continue to work on a number of projects that provide scientific support to inform regulatory decisions in Canada. These projects include:
    • Developing methodologies to sample and measure aircraft particulate matter emissions; and
    • In-flight sampling of aircraft engine emissions using innovative Canadian technology to study, among other things, climate change impacts from standard and alternative aviation fuels.
       
    The NRC will also continue its program on the development and evaluation of aviation alternative fuels, with support from industry and other government departments.
     
  • The United States Transportation Research Board's Airport Cooperative Research Program ( ACRP ) —The ACRP is an industry-driven, applied research program that develops near-term, practical solutions to problems faced by airport operators. The environment is a key theme of ACRP ’s research and reports relating to aircraft noise, emissions, airport operations, air and water quality impacts and metrics. Transport Canada will continue to support and participate in ACRP in a number of key research areas.

In addition to these research initiatives, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada ( AIAC ) will encourage its members to engage in research and development, as well as to produce new and innovative technologies on aircraft and aircraft engines as soon as it is safe, legal and practical, with a view to improve fuel efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.

6.2 Alternative Fuels

  • Research, Development, and Demonstration—The Government of Canada will continue to support research, development and demonstration of alternative fuels for aviation. This includes ongoing federal research efforts under the Program of Energy Research and Development and research and development opportunities in alternative aviation biofuels under the research and development component of the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative. In addition, Sustainable Development Technology Canada16 administers two funding programs:
    • The $550 million SD Tech Fund™17, which has allocated more than $10 million to two alternative aviation fuel projects; and
    • The $500 million NextGen Biofuels Fund™, which could support the commercial scale demonstration of the production of next-generation renewable fuels for aviation.
  • Canada will also pursue opportunities to collaborate with its key trading partners, particularly the United States, on alternative aviation fuel research and development and certification, and explore issues such as commercial production. For example, the ongoing Canada-United States Clean Energy Dialogue includes next generation biofuels as a priority research and development area.
  • The Government of Canada and the aviation industry will work collaboratively to discuss the potential for, benefits of, and barriers to alternative aviation fuel production and use in Canada.

6.3 Airport Ground Operations and Infrastructure Use

  • Reducing GHG Emissions at the Gate and on the Ground—Airlines and airports are working together to reduce emissions from APU s and ground support equipment (such as baggage tugs and tractors). For example, Canadian airports are pursuing opportunities to supply their loading gates with preconditioned air, which helps to minimize the use of APU s. Airlines and Airport Authorities will also collaborate to develop an effective way to track how these efforts reduce emissions from these sources.
     
  • Taxi Operations—The Canadian aviation industry (airports, airlines, and NAV CANADA) will continue to work together to reduce GHG emissions by reducing airport aircraft ground emissions through improved taxi and queuing procedures. They will also work to reduce taxi times associated with de-icing procedures.

    The CAC , NACC and NAV CANADA will establish an average baseline for taxi times at the four major airports (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal). Taxi times will then be monitored using such tools as the NAV CANADA Airport Performance Monitor ( APM )18 and airline taxi data to determine where and when significant delays occur. Delays could be due to weather, schedule conflicts, runway/taxiway infrastructure, and/or operational restrictions. This information will be assessed to identify where improved procedures and/or infrastructure could reduce taxi times and queuing.
     
  • Airport GHG Emission Inventories—Over the past 40 years, airport ambient air quality studies have provided real-time information on airport air quality and helped to minimize aviation emission impacts at Canadian airports. Building on the success of this work, the CAC and Transport Canada completed GHG emission inventories for 26 of the NAS airports, as well as all Transport Canada-owned airports. The Airport GHG Emission Inventories quantify airport-related emissions from various activities. The CAC and Transport Canada will continue to refine and improve data quality and explore opportunities to adopt emission reductions strategies.

6.4 Regulatory Measures

  • CO2 Emissions Standard—Transport Canada will continue to participate in the development of a CO2 standard for airplanes, through ICAO ’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP). This standard is targeted for completion within the next two years. Once completed and adopted by ICAO , Transport Canada will adopt the standard domestically under the Aeronautics Act.
     
  • Non-volatile Particulate Matter Standard—In addition to human health concerns, there are concerns about the impact that aircraft non-volatile particulate matter ( nvPM ) may have on the global climate. Transport Canada will continue to help develop a new nvPM standard for aircraft engines, through CAEP, targeted for 2016.

    The National Research Council, supported by Transport Canada, is participating in the development of a sampling and measurement methodology and an Aerospace Recommended Practice document for the certification requirement for the new ICAO nvPM standard for aircraft engines.

6.5 International Coordination

  • Recognizing that efforts to address climate change require international action and coordination, Transport Canada will continue to actively participate, through ICAO, on the implementation of global approaches and standards to address climate change, including system efficiencies and market-based measures. Transport Canada will continue to engage the Canadian aviation industry as part of the international dialogue on these issues.
     
  • As the Canadian member of the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA), AIAC will strive to lead Canadian aerospace manufacturers in working directly with its international counterparts and through the ICAO CAEP process in developing and producing aircraft and engines that will meet or exceed ICAO required improvements to aircraft and aircraft engine fuel efficiency and GHG emission requirements.

7.0 Governance and Reporting

7.1 Governance

The Working Group on Aviation Emissions19 will oversee Canada’s Action Plan. Its members are representatives from:

  • Transport Canada;
  • Air Transport Association of Canada ( ATAC );
  • National Airlines Council of Canada ( NACC );
  • Canadian Airports Council ( CAC );
  • Aerospace Industries Association of Canada ( AIAC );
  • Canadian Business Aviation Association ( CBAA ); and,
  • NAV CANADA.

The Working Group will meet at least twice a year, to monitor individual and collective progress made towards achieving Canada’s fuel efficiency target.

7.2 Annual Reporting

An Annual Report will summarize the progress that has been made in meeting GHG emission reduction goals and other Action Plan activities. The first Annual Report will be published by December 31, 2013 on the Transport Canada website.

The Annual Reports will include:

  • A quantitative description of achievements (including relevant indicators such as litres of fuel consumed per type of fuel, and Revenue Tonne Kilometres). NACC and ATAC will collect all of the information necessary to report on the fuel efficiency improvements achieved;
  • A list of member companies reporting; and
  • A quantitative and/or qualitative description of the actions taken by all Working Group members to achieve progress on the measures identified in sections five and six of the Action Plan.

For the first two years, the aviation activity and emission data reported in the Annual Reports will be aggregated for domestic and international aviation. Beginning with the 2014 Annual Report, domestic and international aviation activity and emission data will be reported separately.

Subject to applicable laws of Canada, Working Group members agree that any and all company-specific information shall be treated as commercially confidential and will not be released to the public domain without the consent of the relevant company.

7.3 Review

The Working Group will conduct a review of the Action Plan in three years to assess progress towards the environmental goals and commitments, and update the Action Plan.

7.4 Audit

To ensure continued confidence in the reliability of the reports, a qualified auditor, chosen by the Working Group, will be given access at least once over the next five years of the Action Plan, to audit the reports, processes, and supporting documentation that pertain to the Action Plan.

Appendix A – Fuel Consumption Baseline

The 2005 fuel consumption baseline is referenced from data reported annually by ATAC and NACC in the Canadian Aviation Industry Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions.

Table 1—Annual Results of Operations 2001 to 2010, compared with 1990, as reported by ATAC and NACC
  1990 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Fuel use (million litres) 4,616 4,829 4,634 4,584 4,566 4,887 5,186 5,543 5,575 5,077 5,659
GHG emissions (millions of tonnes of CO2-equivalent) 11.801 12.346 11.846 11.719 11.673 12.495 13.258 14.171 14.254 12.980 14.467
Traffic (billions)                      
Available seat-kilometres ( ASK ) 75.22 109.58 117.71 120.01 123.14 131.98 139.48 151.55 154.05 152.66 156.81
Revenue passenger-kilometres ( RPK ) 66.37 86.68 89.08 89.24 95.18 105.22 112.98 124.15 125.55 117.62 128.77
Passenger revenue-tonne-kilometres (pass. RTK ) * 6.64 8.67 8.91 8.92 9.52 10.52 11.30 12.42 12.55 11.76 12.88
Cargo available tonne-kilometres (cargo ATK ) 11.12 13.63 13.37 11.85 12.21 13.22 13.54 14.45 14.12 14.11 15.26
Cargo revenue-tonne-kilometres (cargo RTK ) 1.72 1.71 1.74 1.49 1.54 1.56 1.52 1.81 1.56 1.37 1.93
Total available tonne-kilometres (Total ATK ) 18.65 24.59 25.14 23.85 24.52 26.41 27.48 29.61 29.52 29.38 30.94
Total revenue-tonne-kilometres (Total RTK ) 8.36 10.38 10.65 10.42 11.06 12.08 12.81 14.22 14.12 13.14 14.81
Fuel consumption rates                      
Litres/ ASK 0.0614 0.0441 0.0394 0.0382 0.0371 0.0370 0.0372 0.0366 0.0362 0.0333 0.0348
Litres/ RPK 0.0695 0.0557 0.0520 0.0514 0.0480 0.0464 0.0459 0.0446 0.0444 0.0432 0.0425
Litres/Total ATK 0.2475 0.1964 0.1843 0.1922 0.1862 0.1850 0.1887 0.1872 0.1889 0.1735 0.1824
Litres/Total RTK 0.5523 0.4651 0.4350 0.4401 0.4128 0.4046 0.4047 0.3898 0.3949 0.3865 0.3790
Emission rates                      
CO2e grams/ ASK 156.89 112.67 100.64 97.65 94.79 94.68 95.05 93.51 92.53 85.02 89.00
CO2e grams/ RPK 177.81 142.43 132.98 131.32 122.64 118.75 117.35 114.14 113.53 110.36 108.65
CO2e grams/Total ATK 633 502 471 491 476 473 482 479 483 442 466
CO2e grams/Total RTK 1,412 1,189 1,112 1,125 1,055 1,034 1,035 996 1,010 988 969

Source: 2010 Canadian Aviation Industry Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions, March 2012, p.10.
* Note that Passenger RTK are calculated by dividing RPK by 100 kg, which is the industry’s conventional assumption of the average weight per passenger, including luggage.

Appendix B—Summary Table of Measures

Measure Description Start Date Date of Full Implementation GHG / Fuel Efficiency Impact Economic Cost (CDN$) List of Stakeholders
Fleet Renewals and Upgrades Retire older airplanes and bring newer, more efficient airplanes into service. Ongoing Ongoing Average annual 0.7% fuel efficiency improvement from 2005 to 2020 $13.7 billion from 2011 to 2020. Canadian airlines, CBAA
More Efficient Air Operations Canadian airlines to improve fuel efficiency through more efficient air operations. Ongoing Ongoing Average annual 0.2% fuel efficiency improvement from 2005 to 2020 To Be Determined Canadian airlines, CBAA
Guidance on Operational Opportunities— New ICAO Manual Transport Canada to continue to work through ICAO to encourage technology and operational improvements. Update expected in 2012 Ongoing N/A N/A Transport Canada, ICAO , Aviation industry stakeholders
Performance Based Navigation Shift from sensor-based to performance-based navigation. Ongoing Ongoing Average annual 1 to 2% fuel efficiency improvement from 2005 to 2020 To Be Determined NAV CANADA, Transport Canada, Aviation industry stakeholders
Aviation Environmental Research and Development Active engagement and support of aviation-related research initiatives, including: GARDN , PARTNER , the NRC , and the U.S. ACRP . Ongoing Ongoing N/A To Be Determined Transport Canada, Industry Canada, Aviation industry stakeholders
Alternative Fuels The Government of Canada to continue to support research in the development and demonstration of alternative fuels for aviation. Ongoing Ongoing To Be Determined To Be Determined Government of Canada, Aviation industry stakeholders, U.S. partners
Alternative Fuels The Government of Canada and aviation industry to discuss the potential for, benefits of, and barriers to alternative aviation fuel production and use in Canada. Ongoing Ongoing To Be Determined To Be Determined Government of Canada, Aviation industry, other stakeholders
Reducing GHG Emissions at the Gate and on the Ground Reduce emissions from using APU s and ground support equipment. Ongoing Ongoing To Be Determined To Be Determined CAC , Canadian airlines, CBAA
Taxi Operations Reduce taxi times, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Ongoing Ongoing To Be Determined To Be Determined NAV CANADA, CAC , Canadian airlines, CBAA
Airport GHG Emission Inventories Use existing GHG inventories for airports to adopt GHG reducing measures. Ongoing Ongoing N/A N/A Transport Canada, CAC , Canadian airlines, CBAA
CO2 Standard for Airplanes Through ICAO , develop a new CO2 standard for new airplanes and adopt the new standard domestically. Standard for new airplanes targeted for completion within two years Domestic regulatory implementation within two years of ICAO adopting the new standard To Be Determined To Be Determined Transport Canada, Aviation industry stakeholders
Non-volatile Particulate Matter Standard Develop the certification requirement for a new non-volatile particulate matter standard for aircraft engines. Standard expected by 2016 Domestic regulatory implementation within two years of ICAO adopting the new standard N/A To Be Determined Transport Canada, Aviation industry stakeholders
International Coordination Active participation through ICAO on implementing global approaches and standards to address the impact to the global climate. Ongoing Ongoing N/A To Be Determined Transport Canada, Aviation industry stakeholders

Appendix C—The Working Group’s Areas of Focus

The Working Group identified areas of focus where industry cooperation and synergies can help achieve future emission reductions. To help explore these areas of focus, subgroups were established to identify and advance emission reduction opportunities in the following areas:

  • Performance-based Navigation;
  • Surveillance;
  • Auxiliary Power Units and Ground Support Equipment;
  • Taxiing; and
  • Alternative Fuels.

Performance-Based Navigation

Description:

Performance-based Navigation ( PBN ) will provide benefits to equipped aircraft operators by allowing more efficient and flexible en route and terminal (airport) operations than existing ground-based navigation. PBN includes both Area Navigation ( RNAV ) and Required Navigation Performance ( RNP ).

The PBN concept represents a shift from sensor-based to performance-based navigation. Performance requirements are identified in navigation specifications, which also identify the choice of navigation sensors and equipment that may be used to meet the performance requirements. These navigation specifications are defined at a sufficient level of detail to facilitate global harmonization by providing specific implementation guidance for States and operators. The PBN concept specifies that aircraft RNAV system performance requirements be defined in terms of the accuracy, integrity, availability, continuity and functionality, which are needed for the proposed operations in the context of a particular airspace concept.

Partners:

  • NAV CANADA (Air Navigation Service Provider); Transport Canada; Aircraft Operators; and Airports.

Strategic Goals:

  • Improved Air Navigation Services ( ANS ) and air operator efficiency.

Considerations:

  • Transport Canada is committed to working with NAV CANADA and industry stakeholders to develop its State PBN plan, in accordance with ICAO resolution A36-23.
     
  • Work is underway to review where amendments to the Canadian Aviation Regulations may be required to reflect the PBN concept and to include the PBN design specifications. Interim measures, such as Exemptions to the Regulations, Operations Specifications and Aeronautical Information Circulars (AICs) are providing opportunities for NAV CANADA and Canadian air operators to use PBN .

Timelines:

  • Short-Term (2010–15)—Short-term implementation objectives are based on projects that have begun or are identified in NAV CANADA’s business plans as well as those that use PBN specifications that currently exist and are approved in Canada.
  • Medium-Term (2015–20)—Transition from a sensor-based environment to a PBN environment will begin as PBN specifications are approved for use in Canada. Implementation will be subject to a positive business case and customer consultation.
  • Long-Term (2020 and beyond)—NAV CANADA will transition to primarily a PBN environment with ground based navigation aids available only as a back-up capability. The 4D RNP operations are expected to be available to support a full gate-to-gate flight management environment.

Targets and Performance Measurement:

  • To implement PBN , NAV CANADA will transition on a schedule dictated mostly by customer needs, levels of equipage, and positive business cases.

Initiative Management:

  • NAV CANADA

Reporting Schedule:

  • Annually in the CIFER report.

Surveillance

Description:

Increased airborne and surface (airport) surveillance capability will make ground and air operations more efficient. This means increased airspace capacity, faster response times to pilot requests, more flexible routing and less ground delays.

There are various technologies that can increase surveillance capability and coverage in what is today’s procedural airspace. NAV CANADA will use a mix of surveillance technologies to maximize benefits and minimize costs, using a business case process.

Partners:

  • NAV CANADA (Air Navigation Service Provider); Department of National Defence (DND); Aircraft Operators; and Airports.

Strategic Goals:

  • Improved Air Navigation Services ( ANS ), airport, and air operator efficiency

Milestones:

  • ADS-B Surveillance
    • Hudson Bay implemented (2009);
    • ADS-B North East Coast (Labrador and Baffin Island) implemented (2011);
    • ADS-B Oceanic (Greenland) in 2012;
    • Other locations (To Be Determined).
  • Wide Area Multilateration (WAM)
    • Implemented at Fort St. John and Vancouver Harbour, BC;
    • Implementation in the Kelowna area planned for 2012;
    • Other sites under review.
  • Multilateration—Surface Detection
    • Project initiated at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport in Montréal;
    • Planned for Calgary and Toronto international airports;
    • Other airports are being assessed and will be subject to Airport Authority approval/funding.
  • North Warning System—Radar Integration
    • Eastern portion completed in November 2010;
    • Western portion under review.
  • Video Surveillance
    • Under test and evaluation at various sites, including London, Ottawa, and Montréal;
    • Other sites being assessed for application.

Targets and Performance Measurement:

  • To be determined from individual business cases.

Initiative Management:

  • NAV CANADA

Reporting Schedule:

  • Annually in the CIFER report.

Auxiliary Power Units and Ground Support Equipment

Description:

Airlines and airports have been working closely together to identify ways to reduce emissions from the use of auxiliary power units ( APU s) and ground support equipment ( GSE ).

Emissions from an aircraft’s APU s can be greatly reduced if ground-based alternatives are available and used. GSE is either owned directly by airlines or contracted by airlines from third-party providers and is a major part of airport ground operations. Airlines and airports are:

  • Working to improve technology;
  • Adding fixed gate infrastructure;
  • Developing and adopting operating procedures to more effectively use the infrastructure; and
  • Using alternative fuels to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions and criteria air contaminants.

These emission reduction opportunities support the Action Plan’s targets. The range of potential GHG reductions from these opportunities will be quantified as appropriate and feasible. The Working Group understands that these targets are intensity-based and will take into account an increase in flight schedules and equipment inventory.

Partners:

  • Canadian Airports Council; Air Transport Association of Canada; National Airlines Council of Canada; Canadian Business Aviation Association; Transport Canada.

Strategic Goals:

  • Identify and implement opportunities to reduce emissions from APU s and GSE

Milestones:

Over the next five years (2012-2017), the APU / GSE subgroup will meet quarterly in order to:

  • Confirm status of emission inventories: who conducted them; how were they developed; what is the contribution from GSE s and APU s;
  • Develop baseline of existing equipment: i.e., GSE fleet mix; existing PCA/GPU equipment at gates;
  • Identify regulatory framework, policies and procedures for use of equipment;
  • Identify current emission reduction initiatives: reviewing what has worked and what has not;
  • Identify gaps, barriers and issues that currently prevent optimal use of existing infrastructure;
  • Identify initiatives that will lead to resolving these gaps, barriers and issues;
  • Research emerging technologies and determine ability to adopt.

Targets and Performance Measurement:

  • Specific targets and performance measures will be determined from individual initiatives.
  • The subgroup will meet by conference call quarterly and will hold face-to-face meetings on an annual basis.

Initiative management:

The partners mentioned above have agreed to:

  • Collect data on inventory of GSE and their fuel burn;
  • Collect data on auxiliary power use, use of pre-conditioned air and ground power units; and
  • Take inventory of gate infrastructure.

Reporting:

  • Responsibility of Report—Subgroup Co-Chairs

Taxi Operations:

Description:

The importance of managing aircraft taxi times increases with the increased number of aircraft ground movements (the busier the airport the more important this initiative becomes). This group will identify opportunities to reduce GHG emissions through improved taxiing and queuing procedures at Canadian airports and reduce overall taxi times. In simple terms, the goal is to limit aircraft main engine run time on the ground.

Partners:

  • NAV CANADA; Canadian Airports Council; Air Transport Association of Canada; National Airlines Council of Canada; Transport Canada

Strategic Goals:

  • There are five areas targeted:
     
    1. Data collection on various elements of airport taxiing and queuing operations;
    2. Push-back operations;
    3. Ground crew availability;
    4. Ground surveillance improvements; and
    5. Taxi infrastructure improvements.

Milestones/Implementation Considerations:

  • All of the initiatives above are underway, as they generally provide improvements to efficiency, safety and reduce fuel costs and GHGs . Initiatives 1, 4 and 5 are linked with the Surveillance initiatives of this Action Plan, and are chaired by NAV CANADA.
     
  • Estimated timeframe of outputs
    • Short-term (5 years)
      • Multilateration (aircraft ground surveillance) installed in Montréal and planned for Calgary and Toronto;
      • PARTNER (Partnership for AiR Transportation Noise and Emissions Reduction) computer simulations on airport surface movement optimization may be available within the next five years.
    • Medium-Term (5–10 years)
      • Identification and addition of new taxiways and runways are an ongoing process.

Targets and Performance Measurement

  • Airside taxi out times can be reduced by an estimated 20 percent— PARTNER .
  • Emission reductions and benefits can be measured against ICAO specified times.

Initiative Management:

The partners mentioned above have agreed to advance:

  • Data collection on various elements/segments of airport taxiing and queuing operations;
  • Push-back operations;
  • Ground Crew availability;
  • Ground surveillance improvements; and
  • Taxi infrastructure improvements.

Reporting:

  • Responsibility of Report—Subgroup Co-Chairs

Alternative Fuels

Description:

To meet the global aspirational goal of carbon neutral growth from 2020, substantial advances in developing and commercializing sustainable alternative aviation fuels will be required. The alternative fuels subgroup will work to identify potential opportunities to advance alternative fuels for aviation in Canada.

Partners:

  • National Airlines Council of Canada; Transport Canada; Air Transport Association of Canada; Aerospace Industries Association of Canada; Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada, National Research Council, Industry Canada, Agriculture Canada, Department of National Defence.

Strategic Goals:

  • Identify opportunities to advance alternative fuels for aviation in Canada.

Milestones:

  • Survey actions underway on alternative fuels for aviation in Canada, including barriers and opportunities, and propose options for next steps;
  • Undertake research on alternative fuels for aviation in Canada and share results with relevant parties;
  • Identify opportunities to collaborate with key trading partners, particularly the United States, on alternative aviation fuel research and development and certification, and explore issues such as commercial production;
  • Identify the potential for, benefits of, and barriers to alternative aviation fuel production and use in Canada.

Targets and Performance Measurement:

  • To be determined

Initiative management:

  • NACC and Transport Canada

Reporting:

  • Responsibility of Report—Subgroup Co-Chairs

Appendix D—Figures and Tables

1) Improvement in Canada’s Air Traffic Management

Significant improvements in Canada’s Air Traffic Management system have resulted in fuel savings and avoided emissions. It is estimated that over 20 million cumulative tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) will be avoided by 2020.

This figure below represents the potential of achievable benefits, and includes all initiatives that have been implemented up to and including 2010. Examples of these initiatives include RVSM, Northern Radar Expansion Program, Polar Routes, ADS-B Hudson Bay, and RNAV/RNP procedures. It does not include any PBN initiatives planned for implementation post-2010 timeframe.

Figure 5—Cumulative Tonnes (000) of CO2 Equivalent and Millions of Litres of Fuel Burn Avoided 1997 - 2020 -- Canadian and International Carriers

 


Source: NAV CANADA CIFER Report 2012

Figure 5 - Cumulative Tonnes (000) of CO2 Equivalent and Millions of Litres of Fuel Burn Avoided 1997 - 2020 - Canadian and International Carriers
  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
000 Tonnes of CO2e Avoided (Line) 30 62 94 133 186 261 372 511 720 994 1,305 1,671 2,063 2,500 2,959 3,445 3,936 4,443 4,964 5,503 6,060 6,635 7,232 7,849
Million Litres of Fuel Burn Avoided (Area) 80 163 248 350 488 686 977 1,343 1,892 2,615 3,432 4,393 5,425 6,574 7,780 9,059 10,348 11,680 13,052 14,469 15,932 17,446 19,013 20,637

2) Comparisons of Canadian Airlines’ Fleet Age

Canada has a relatively young and modern fleet, with the exception of airlines primarily providing service in the North. For example, the weighted average age of Canada’s three largest airlines (Air Canada, Jazz Aviation LP, and WestJet) is about 12 years.

Table 2—Average Fleet Age of Canadian Airlines
Airline Average Age of Fleet (years) Number of Aircraft
Air Canada 11.8 207
Jazz Aviation LP 15.8 139
WestJet 5.8 96
Air Inuit 28.5 27
First Air 26.7 23
Porter Airlines 2.6 26
Air Transat 16.9 18
Sunwing Airlines 6.0 18
Canadian North 24.3 16
Air North Charter 32.8 9
Total Weighted Average Age of Fleet: 13.4  

Source: Back Aviation Fleet PC (fleet as of December 14, 2011)

Table 3—Comparison of Fleet Age by International Airlines
Airline Country Average Age of Fleet (years)
American Airlines US 15.0
Delta Airlines US 16.1
Southwest Airlines US 11.9
Air France France 9.4
Lufthansa Germany 13.3
British Airways United Kingdom 12.6
Singapore Airlines Singapore 7.2
Air China China 7.9
Air India India 10.2
Japan Airlines Japan 8.4

Source: Back Aviation Fleet PC (fleet as of December 14, 2011)

3) Aviation’s Impact on the Canadian Economy

Aviation plays a key role in the Canadian economy. The following tables show the value and types of goods shipped by air.

Table 4—Value of International Goods Shipped by Air, 2000–10 (millions of dollars)
Sector/ Year Air Exports* Air Imports Air Total All Modes
Exp. & Imp.
Air Share (percent)
Canada/United States          
2000 23,845 23,643 47,488 588,947 8.1
2001 21,875 21,114 42,989 570,040 7.5
2002 18,905 17,414 36,319 563,861 6.4
2003 17,290 15,428 32,719 530,457 6.2
2004 15,688 16,254 31,942 556,545 5.7
2005 16,556 15,760 32,316 580,041 5.6
2006 14,597 15,704 30,301 575,352 5.3
2007 15,559 17,571 33,129 576,510 5.7
2008R 15,218 18,056 33,274 602,726 5.5
2009R 13,177 16,101 29,278 456,865 6.4
2010P 11,870 14,915 26,785 501,385 5.3
Other International          
2000 12,214 30,238 42,451 181,258 23.4
2001 12,572 27,357 39,929 177,153 22.5
2002 12,488 26,406 38,894 181,473 21.4
2003 14,721 24,804 39,524 186,626 21.2
2004 18,818 28,648 47,466 209,943 22.6
2005 21,524 31,755 53,279 234,518 22.7
2006 24,984 34,834 59,819 257,592 23.2
2007 25,202 38,028 63,230 280,745 22.5
2008R 28,180 40,015 68,194 314,761 21.7
2009R 26,857 37,839 64,696 268,156 24.1
2010P 26,857 42,409 73,659 299,881 24.6
Total Canada/World          
2000 36,059 53,881 89,940 770,205 11.7
2001 34,447 48,472 82,918 747,193 11.1
2002 34,447 43,820 75,213 745,334 10.1
2003 32,011 40,232 72,243 717,083 10.1
2004 34,506 44,902 79,409 766,488 10.4
2005 38,079 47,515 85,595 814,559 10.5
2006 39,581 50,538 90,119 832,944 10.8
2007 40,761 55,599 96,360 857,255 11.2
2008R 43,398 58,071 101,469 917,487 11.1
2009R 40,034 53,940 93,974 725,021 13.0
2010P 43,120 57,324 100,444 801,266 12.5

Source:  Transport Canada, “Transportation in Canada 2010: Addendum – Table A22”, http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/policy/addendum2010.pdf

Notes: R = Revised. P = Preliminary.
1 Total exports include domestic exports and re-exports.

Table 5—Main Commodity Groups Shipped by Air in Canada’s International Trade, 2009 and 2010 (millions of dollars)
Exports by air* 2009R 2010P Percent Change
Misc & other manufactured goods 24,411 28,106 15.1
aviation-related equipment 7,574 7,423 -2.0
Machinery & electrical equipment 11,839 11,239 -5.1
Plastics & chemical products 2,542 2,508 -1.3
Food products 537 552 2.7
Metal & Steel products 498 544 9.2
Automobiles & other transport equipment 82 96 17.8
Cement & non-metallic products 38 36 -3.6
Forest products 36 33 -6.9
LNG & Petroleum products+ 50 3 -94.4
Minerals, ores & concentrates 1 2 105.3
Total Exports by air 40,034 43,120 7.7
Imports by air      
Machinery & electrical equipment 22,362 23,732 6.1
Misc & other manufactured goods 20,221 22,865 13.1
includes aviation-related equipment 3,770 3,362 -10.8
Plastics & chemical products 9,511 8,769 -7.8
Metal and Steel products 962 994 3.3
Automobiles & other transport equipment 349 395 13.2
Food products 312 325 4.1
Cement & non-metallic products 132 132 -0.2
Forest products 61 60 -1.2
LNG & Petroleum products 28 51 85.3
Minerals, ores & concentrates 1 2 39.1
Total Imports by air 53,940 57,324 6.3

Source:  Transport Canada, “Transportation in Canada 2010: Addendum – Table A25”, http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/policy/addendum2010.pdf

Notes: R = Revised. P = Preliminary.
1 Total exports include domestic exports and re-exports.
2 LNG = Liquefied natural gas

Footnotes

1 In this context, the aviation industry includes air carriers, air traffic management, airports, and aircraft and other aerospace technology manufacturers.

2 Statistics Canada, Aviation—Civil Aviation, Annual Operating and Financial Statistics, Canadian Air Carriers, Levels I to III, 2009. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/51-004-x/51-004-x2010007-eng.pdf.

3 The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, “UK Airline Statistics: 2009 Annual – Table 1.6 All Services”, http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/80/airline_data/2009Annual/Table_0_1_6_All_Services_2009.pdf.

4 Statistics Canada, “Air Carrier Operations in Canada – Unit Toll Services, Statement 10 (I, II)”, 2009; Statistics Canada”, “Air Carrier Operations in Canada, Charter Services, Statement 12 (I, II, III)” 2009.

5 The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, “UK Airline Statistics: 2009 Annual – Table 1.7.4 Domestic Scheduled Services 2009” http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/80/airline_data/2009Annual/Table_0_1_7_4_Domestic_Scheduled_Services_2009.pdf.

6 Oxford Economics, Economic Benefits from Air Transport in Canada, 2009.

7 Environment Canada, Canada’s Emissions Trends, 2011. http://www.ec.gc.ca/Publications/E197D5E7-1AE3-4A06-B4FC-CB74EAAAA60F%5CCanadasEmissionsTrends.pdf

8 Figure 2 is based on data that allocates emissions to the economic sector in which they are generated rather than by activity. The latter approach is used in Canada's National Inventory Report. As a result, the numbers between the two approaches are not necessarily comparable.

9 The CIFER reports are available at: http://www.navcanada.ca/NavCanada.asp?Language=en&Content=ContentDefinitionFiles\AboutUs\Environment\CIFER\default.xml.

10PBN procedures are more accurate and allow for shorter, more direct routes between two given points, as well as more efficient arrivals and departures. This reduces fuel burn and aircraft emissions.

11 World Economic Forum, The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2011: Beyond the Downturn, 2011. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TravelTourismCompetitiveness_Report_2011.pdf

12 2010 Aviation Industry Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions, March 2012. This estimate assumed that the 2001 fuel consumption rate of 0.4651 litres per total Revenue Tonne Kilometres was held constant for each subsequent year until 2010. The resulting emissions were compared against the actual emissions reported for those years to come up with a figure for total emissions displaced over that time period.

13 For example, between 2010 and 2014, Transport Canada has forecasted domestic traffic to grow at a rate of 3.1 percent. In comparison, the October 2010 International Aviation Transport Association ( IATA ) has forecasted domestic growth to occur at a rate of 3.3 percent. For transborder traffic during the same period, Transport Canada forecasts 4.3 percent compared with IATA ’s 3.7 percent.

14 For more information on the National Airlines Council of Canada’s efforts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce GHG emissions, refer to Improving Aviation Efficiency and Reducing emissions: A NACC Framework, 2011. http://www.airlinecouncil.ca/pdf/NACC_FuelEfficiency_Final_Eng.pdf

15Ibid.

16 For more information on the Sustainable Development Technology Canada funds, please visit: http://www.sdtc.ca/index.php?page=about-our-funds&hl=en_CA.

17 Budget 2011 makes an additional $40 M available over two years.

18 For more information on APM , please visit: http://www.navcanada.ca/NavCanada.asp?Language=EN&Content=contentdefinitionfiles\technologysolutions\iatc\default.xml

19 The Working Group is chaired by Transport Canada and consists of one representative of each of the other member organizations.