Technology and solution-driven trends in sustainable aviation

Abstract

Purpose

The primary driver of future aviation has recently been sustainability. The rapid development of radically new, disruptive technologies and solutions should be regularly evaluated to maintain the desired trends in sustainable aviation. The purpose of this research can be listed as follows: (i) to propose a sustainable performance index and methodology (ii) to evaluate the new technologies and solutions, and (iii) apply them to evaluate the effect of technologies and solutions under development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces a total sustainable performance index for evaluating the sustainability; demonstrates its applicability to future development processes; recognizes the supporting new technologies and solutions by implementing their identification, evaluation and selection processes; and defines the major trends and drivers maintaining the sustainability of the future aviation.

Findings

This study has resulted in a proposed new “total sustainable performance index,” and methodology of identifying key drivers that allow defining the technology and solution-driven trends, and defines the major trends and listed technologies and solutions that may have a determining role in given trends.

Research limitations/implications

There are dilemmas on taking into account the positive effects of aviation on the economy and society that may overwrite the costs and limited information about the foresight on new technologies and solutions.

Practical implications

It depends on access to required inputs.

Social implications

Two-way effects of solid expectations of society on the possible greening of aviation can be listed as the social implication of this research.

Originality/value

The proposed “total sustainability performance index” totally evaluates sustainability, including a penalty, considering the policy (regulation) and interest of future generations.

Citation

Rohacs, D. (2023), "Technology and solution-driven trends in sustainable aviation", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 95 No. 3, pp. 416-430. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-07-2022-0185