FAQ emissions charge

New charge - why?
As a result of the charge negotiations in 2009 it was agreed between Copenhagen Airports and the airlines that a new environmental charge should be introduced (emissions charge). The introduction of the emissions charge will be revenue neutral for Copenhagen Airports.

Will it be more expensive for airlines?
The agreement made on the new emissions charge is that the total charge level for Copenhagen Airports will be unchanged. In light of this, it was agreed that the income from the emissions charge will be financed through a corresponding reduction in the take off charge.

For the airlines as a whole it will not be more expensive to fly to/from Copenhagen Airport, while the individual airline may experience a slightly higher / lower charge level depending on the specific emission level for its aircrafts’ engines.

Why introduce an emissions charge?
With the introduction of an emissions charge Copenhagen Airports want to focus on and support the use of engine types that emit the lowest NOx through economic incentives.

Why is it called a NOx charge?
NOx is an abbreviation for nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), which are chemicals formed as a by-product of combustion processes in aircraft engines. They act as greenhouse gases and are as such covered by the Kyoto Agreement, where Denmark has committed to reduce greenhouse gases.

What will Copenhagen Airports do with the income from the emissions charges?
The emissions charge will support Copenhagen Airports’ environmental efforts at the airport. It can be improvements in both environmental and noise conditions.

When is the new charge effective from?
Emissions charge takes effect on the 31st of October 2010.

What is the price of emissions charge?
The price of emissions charge is 16.50 DKK per kg NOx. Emissions charges are based on a 5% conversion of the total take off charge for 2009.

What are the emissions charges (calculation) based on?
Based on the pollution from the engines in the landing and takeoff process the emissions charge is calculated. This means that an aircraft with high emissions of NOx, pays more than an aircraft with low emissions. The emissions value is related to the absolute emissions for each aircraft.

How do Copehagen Airports know the emissions value for each aircraft engine?
Information about NOx emissions for each engine is collected from the following sources:

• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Engine Emissions Databank (for Turbofan and Mixed Turbofan covering approx. 90% of the traffic at Copenhagen Airport )
• Airlines send in specific information for engine types - turboprop, piston, business jet and helicopter