Impact of Electric Aircraft on Airport Operations and Infrastructure

Working with Cranfield University and the University of Reading this research investigated the probable airport infrastructural requirements and associated timeframes for the projected future introduction of electric aircraft. 

The study considered both the implications for physical infrastructure and airspace infrastructure impacted by climate change and used London Heathrow Airport as the basis for the research. 

The work formed part of Heathrow’s ambitious target to be a carbon net-zero airport by 2050, and similar long-term environmental commitments made by the UK aviation industry in general.

Electric aircraft (both pure electric and hybrid-electric) have major benefits over traditional kerosene aircraft in terms of environmental performance, maintenance complexity and repair costs. However, the viability of electric aircraft remains restricted by the vastly inferior energy density of batteries relative to kerosene, and the additional weight these bring to the airframe. For larger aircraft and long duration alternatives such as Hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are proving to be more viable options. However, the research hypothesised that electrification could still be a viable option for smaller aircraft and short-haul and regional routes.

Outcomes

The study produced the following outcomes:

• A qualitative study of physical infrastructural aspects of aircraft electrification
• Assessment of the airspace components of electrification
• A review of computation simulation modelling approaches for simulating airside capacity impacts of electric aircraft operations where a prototype model to assess optimal infrastructure requirements was developed.

A prototype discrete event simulation model was developed to simulate impacts of short-haul electric aircraft on airport capacity to help determine future infrastructural requirements. 

Computational optimisation techniques were used to determine optimal configurations of single purpose and converted dual purpose aircraft parking stands under different scenarios and charging regimes at Heathrow.

The simulations demonstrated that a future increase in electric aircraft equating to 25% of the global aircraft fleet required the conversion of only 13% of existing parking stands, while maintaining airside capacity and operational efficiency. 

Partners and funding

This research was part of the Airport Infrastructure Requirements for Electrical Propulsion Systems (AIREPS) project in collaboration with Cranfield University and the University of Reading funded by Heathrow Airport.

Publications

• F. Doctor, T. Budd, P. D. Williams, M. Prescott, R. Iqbal, “Modelling the effect of electric aircraft on airport operations and infrastructure”, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Vol 177, April 2022

Reports

• Airport as an Energy Hub - Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (this report refers to our paper).

News

• Potential impact of aircraft electrification on airport infrastructure at Heathrow