Challenges in the Environmentally Sustainable Aviation Ecosystem

Abstract

Air transport serves as a fundamental driver of global economic growth, playing a pivotal role in generating employment opportunities, fostering international trade, fueling the tourism industry, and underpinning sustainable development on a global scale. It serves as a conduit for global connectivity and a catalyst for both social and economic prosperity. However, amid these manifold benefits, the aviation sector faces substantial challenges, the most significant of which is the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced by fossil jet fuels.

Despite accounting for a relatively modest 2–3% of global carbon emissions, the aviation industry faces a discouraging trajectory, with emissions projected to escalate dramatically, potentially reaching as high as 22–30% by mid-century due to the industry’s growth.

This chapter examines the intricate challenges surrounding the pursuit of environmental sustainability within the aviation ecosystem, with a particular focus on the CO2 emissions originating from flight operations. While the aviation industry often spotlights airlines and their operations, it is essential to recognize the multitude of companies and stakeholders intricately involved in aviation activities. Key stakeholders encompass airports, ground handling companies, air navigation service providers, and regulatory authorities. The interplay among these entities significantly influences each other’s success, impacting sustainability initiatives within the broader aviation ecosystem.

This chapter presents an overview of the distinctive characteristics of the aviation ecosystem, providing insights into its current market dynamics and the evolving landscape of sustainability considerations. We consider the complexities of fostering an environmentally sustainable aviation ecosystem in the context of the challenges that must be overcome. To achieve our collective environmental sustainability objectives, the aviation ecosystem must establish shared goals, aligned action plans, and comprehensive metrics. Regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in facilitating this alignment, ultimately maximizing the environmental sustainability of the aviation sector as a whole.