Simon Dreschel : This is a crucial aspect of our strategy. We are dedicating considerable effort to it, and I actually presented it at the previous UAF congress.
Significant progress has been made since the end of 2023, with the delivery of half a million liters of biofuel to Bordeaux airport.
Few regional airports can claim such a figure, and we are very pleased with this achievement.
We are approaching the ecological transition from various angles, including our infrastructure. We recently completed the construction of a 3,000 square meter solar power plant that generates energy for the airport. Our overall consumption and CO2 emissions are decreasing.
TourMaG – Beyond the legal requirements for sustainable aviation fuel, which operators are leading the way in biofuel usage? Which companies are using more biofuel than required by law?
Simon Dreschel : At present, companies are not actively engaging in this initiative, and I don’t intend to criticize them. These are major national contracts involving substantial volumes, and Bordeaux may not yet be factored into these contracts.
Our goal is to ensure Bordeaux is included in the biofuel purchasing plans of these large companies, which currently focus on acquiring supplies from major hubs.
Some businesses are actually quite virtuous and have integrated biofuel into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. These companies choose biofuel, even though it costs three or four times more.
Companies like Dassault also source biofuel from us.
TourMaG – Local residents have called for a halt to night flights in Bordeaux. You are not opposed to some regulation. What would be acceptable time slots for you?
Simon Dreschel : These matters are currently under discussion. We believe it’s reasonable to regulate night flights and impose restrictions, particularly during the middle of the night, to reduce noise and increase the acceptance of our platform within the community. This approach aligns with common sense, and it’s crucial to work on this topic.
However, we have a clear principle: our economic activities, especially our strategic plan requiring significant investment, must not be jeopardized.
We have already lost the shuttle to Orly airport and operate in a challenging context where traffic is being rebuilt.
We must not risk measures that would deprive us of income and economic activities, especially concerning aircraft based in Bordeaux that return late in the evening.
These planes need to return because their crews reside here, and this is an important factor in the companies’ economic equation.
However, we agree that measures regarding night flights are necessary.
We will accept measures that allow us to operate and implement our strategic plan.
TourMaG – Would midnight be an acceptable time to begin a curfew?
Simon Dreschel : Again, we are not in favor of a curfew and would prefer to avoid one.
Certain planes sometimes return to Bordeaux following midnight. This happens because people from Bordeaux are returning home as well as crews.
These planes must be in position for the following morning’s schedule. I believe many options are available to implement restrictions while allowing the airport to function.
We are advocating for this balanced approach with all partners and stakeholders so that these restrictions are not excessively strict and provide some satisfaction for both local residents and the airport.
This approach is referred to as a “balanced approach“. (as the European directive is called, Editor’s note)
TourMaG – What regarding the second runway, the secondary runway whose closure is being debated? You are not opposed to closing it?
Simon Dreschel : No, in fact, it’s a preferred scenario for the airport. Technically, and I emphasize this point, this runway is less essential now than it was 20 years ago, primarily due to advancements in aircraft technology allowing for landings in stronger crosswind conditions than previously.
We therefore believe we can operate with a single runway, as many international airports do.
However, managing noise pollution, particularly the transfer of traffic to the main runway, is a real concern.
This is a political issue beyond our control. We have a preferred scenario, but what we are requesting is a decision.
If the decision is to keep the runway, we will accept it and continue to develop the airport.
The lack of a decision hampers our progress, including anticipating investments, work forecasts, and meeting standards. This uncertainty significantly complicates matters.
*In the dual cash register system desired by airports, the substantial revenue generated by businesses is not paid into the same fund as the income from regulated, less profitable activities, such as fees or ground handling. Taking into account only this income, which is much more modest than commercial activities, makes it possible to set higher fee amounts.
Bordeaux Airport: Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Night Flights, and the Second Runway
Bordeaux Airport is at the forefront of sustainable aviation initiatives, pushing forward with the implementation of biofuel and solar energy, while grappling with ongoing discussions regarding night flights and the future of the second runway.
Bordeaux Airport’s Commitment to Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The airport is taking a proactive approach to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption, having delivered half a million liters of biofuel to Bordeaux airport in 2023. This makes Bordeaux a leader among regional airports in biofuel adoption.
Simon Dreschel, the airport’s director, emphasizes the importance of SAF in their strategy.
“This is a very important point in our strategy. We are putting a lot of effort into it and I had actually presented it at the last UAF congress.” – Simon Dreschel, Director of Bordeaux Airport
The airport’s commitment to SAF goes beyond regulatory requirements, aiming to become a key player in biofuel purchasing by large companies. Bordeaux is actively looking to attract companies that prioritize sustainability and are willing to pay a premium for SAF.
Prominent Examples of SAF Adoption
Several companies have already embraced SAF as a CSR strategy, including:
- Dassault: The renowned aerospace company sources biofuel from Bordeaux Airport.
- Other businesses: Several companies are making SAF a key part of their sustainability initiatives, even if they represent a smaller percentage of the airport’s clientele.
The Debate Surrounding Night Flights in Bordeaux
Local residents have voiced concerns regarding noise pollution from night flights, leading to a call for restrictions. The airport is open to regulations, recognizing the need to balance its operations with the well-being of the community.
The airport is committed to finding a solution that achieves a balance between operational needs and noise reduction. This is being pursued through discussions with stakeholders and partners.
Acceptable Time Slots for Night Flights
While the airport is open to regulations, it emphasizes the need to avoid measures that would significantly impact its economic activity. The airport’s strategic plan involves significant investments and maintaining its current level of activity is crucial.
A midnight curfew is not favored by the airport, considering its reliance on aircraft returning late at night, particularly planes with crews residing in Bordeaux. The airport is seeking alternative measures that can address noise pollution while minimizing impacts on its operations.
“We will accept measures that still allow us to live and deploy our strategic plan.” – Simon Dreschel
The Future of the Second Runway
The future of the second runway remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions regarding its closure. Bordeaux Airport prefers the closure of the secondary runway, citing improved aircraft capabilities and noise pollution concerns.
The airport believes a single runway can efficiently handle its operations, echoing a model observed in many international airports.
Noise Pollution Management and Political Considerations
The closure of the second runway presents challenges in managing noise pollution, requiring a careful transfer of operations to the main runway.
This decision ultimately rests with political stakeholders. Bordeaux Airport advocates for a definitive decision, arguing that the delay is hindering planning and investment.
“We have a preferred scenario but what we are asking for is a decision… This uncertainty complicates things a lot.” – Simon Dreschel
The Importance of Balanced Decision-Making
Bordeaux Airport highlights the importance of a balanced approach to these issues. This approach recognizes the needs of the local community, the economic importance of the airport, and the need for sustainable development in the aviation sector.
By finding solutions that meet these multiple objectives, Bordeaux can continue to serve as a vital hub for the region while contributing to a more sustainable future for air travel.
