Copenhagen Airport launches FuelTrack to connect jet fuel composition with aircraft emissions and air quality

Credit: Copenhagen Airport

Copenhagen Airport (CPH), in collaboration with the EU-funded ALIGHT project, SAS, and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), has launched FuelTrack — a pioneering campaign to produce the first comprehensive dataset directly linking jet fuel properties to aircraft emissions and local air quality.

Copenhagen Airport jet fuel emissions study reveals vital data for cleaner aviation future

Until now, fuel property data at individual aircraft level has remained elusive due to complex fuel distribution systems and limited monitoring. While lab and engine test rig conditions have shown that fuel composition, such as aromatics and sulphur levels, can affect combustion and pollutant formation, FuelTrack is taking this analysis into real-world airport operations.

“We are creating a unique scientific dataset,” said Dr Benedict Enderle, Senior Scientist at DLR’s Institute of Combustion Technology. “By analysing both fuel properties… and real-time aircraft emissions during taxi operations, we’re gaining unprecedented insight into how fuel properties influence combustion performance and emissions.”

Though the campaign will mostly measure conventional fuels, the growing use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) due to regulation is expected to introduce greater variability. “To fully understand and leverage this potential,” Enderle added, “we need detailed data… from real-world operational settings.”

Peter Wiboe Holm, Senior Sustainability Advisor, noted: “The majority of the fuel burned… is the fuel the aircraft were refuelled with at the departing airport. We are… very interested in understanding this natural variation… and using the results to strengthen our… air quality programme.”

FuelTrack will gather:

• Real-time taxiing emissions
• Detailed fuel samples from aircraft and airport systems
• Flight data across multiple aircraft types
• Fuel property variations from various airports

Using DLR’s mobile, high-fidelity measurement lab, the campaign enables the first direct link between fuel type and emissions during normal operations. The findings will help optimise fuel blends, inform SAF evaluations, improve airport air quality, and shape future aviation policies. Results are expected in autumn.

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