PCA System

What are PCA systems?

PCA stands for “Pre-Conditioned Air”. This is air-conditioned air from a central air conditioning system in the airport or from an air conditioning unit on the boarding bridge. The PCA air guidance system connects the airport's air conditioning system with that of the aircraft. This means that the air in the aircraft can be conditioned without operating the aircraft's own air conditioning system, which is supplied with electricity via the on-board power turbine.

Airports around the world are a major burden on the environment due to aircraft exhaust fumes. These emissions are produced when aircraft run their on-board generators and auxiliary power units while on the ground, thereby consuming kerosene.

Our planet's climate is being severely damaged by noise and exhaust fumes, which could easily be avoided by making targeted use of the technologies available today. At airports without a PCA air management system, aircraft draw their power from their own auxiliary power units or from a ground power unit. Unfortunately, in most airports, aircraft do not switch off their auxiliary power units, thus releasing vast quantities of unfiltered exhaust gases into the environment, even though a cost saving of 10 % is possible by supplying the aircraft via the airport's central air-conditioning system.

The harmful emissions can be avoided with the help of the PCA air guidance system. The problem is caused by the fact that most international airports do not yet have PCA systems. Only a few PCA systems are currently installed in airports in Europe.