Sustainable (Green) Aviation: Challenges and Opportunities

Air travel continues to experience the fastest growth among all modes of transportation. Therefore the environmental issues such as noise, emissions and fuel burn (consumption), for both airplane and airport operations, have become important for energy and environmental sustainability. This paper provides an overview of issues related to air transportation and its impact on environment followed by topics dealing with noise and emissions mitigation by technological solutions including new aircraft and engine designs/technologies, alternative fuels, and materials as well as examination of aircraft operations logistics including Air-Traffic Management (ATM), Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR), Close Formation Flying (CFF), and tailored arrivals to minimize fuel burn. The ground infrastructure for sustainable aviation, including the concept of ‘Sustainable Green Airport Design’ is also covered.