A definition, conceptual framework, and pathway towards sustainable aviation

Abstract

Sustainable aviation is a frequently discussed concept in contemporary aviation literature, industry, and policy. However, a review of definitions for sustainable aviation indicates that there is limited agreement as to what sustainable aviation entails. Most definitions include an increase in aircraft efficiency or introduce alternate energy systems in an attempt to decrease overall emissions, but fall short of considering the broader effects of aviation on the globe and its inhabitants. To make progress towards sustainable aviation, it is necessary to synthesize a definition for sustainable aviation from the key elements of aviation and sustainability. Sustainable aviation is the process of creating the air transportation system that maintains the connectivity of communities and mobility of people, goods, and services while minimizing negative impacts to human health, fostering productive quality of life, and conserving natural resources. We then apply this definition to create a theoretical framework, the Five Circles of Sustainable Aviation, which can be utilized to establish sustainability goals for the broad aviation ecosystem. We then apply the theoretical framework to the sustainability of contemporary and concept aircraft. We provide an example sustainability metric analysis that subdivides the Five Circles of Sustainable Aviation into a series of preliminary, illustrative, quantitative and qualitative metrics that can be used to assess aviation systems for their sustainability performance. The importance of applying this framework within a system-of-systems perspective of the aviation value stream is emphasized, with can be used for the practical development of engineered systems pursuant to these sustainability goals. We also address the effects of our definition and sustainable aviation perspective to governance, education, regulation, and safety. Finally, we provide context for the historical perspectives of aviation and sustainability from which we synthesize our definition and tools.