Analysis of Emissions from Air Transport According to the Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract

This article summarizes the life cycle assessment (LCA), which allows measuring the contribution to climate change of commonly used aircraft Boeing 777-200. Assessment involves three main phases of the lifecycle of aircraft, consisting of the system boundaries: manufacture of aircraft, aircraft maintenance, and aircraft operation. Each stage of the analysis is conducted in terms of greenhouse gas emissions measured in kg per passenger and kilometer (functional unit of LCA). The results provide valuable support when deciding on measures to be implemented in lifecycle phases of aircraft, where there are more opportunities for climate change mitigation. The results show that the most significant contribution in terms of CO₂ eq. per passenger and kilometer comes from the operation of the aircraft, allowing airlines to implement technical, organizational, operational, and other measures.