The concept of sustainability in development means incorporating all those methods, technologies and materials in activities which can ensure that these continue for a long time to come, overcoming the apprehension of being exhausted at some time in future. Sustainability has multidimensional connotations, with environment playing a key part in the whole process. In aviation, an industry which is blamed for causing about 2 percent of carbon emissions that are responsible for global warming, finding alternative fuels is a key concern. Related to this major concern are the practical aspects, of providing the cheap air tickets to the customers and of ensuring that the alternatives are technologically feasible for use on commercial scale for a long time.
Social Role
One of the dimensions of sustainability is that of ensuring that the access and interaction among people of different geographies is not impeded with the incorporation of sustainable measures. Aviation is the only mode of transportation which connects the most inaccessible parts of this world. There are the polar as well as the long hauls cheap international flights which make it possible for the people to fly from one part of the globe to the other in least possible time. Sustainable measures have to ensure that this arrangement is not adversely affected.
Economic Development Role
Another aspect to be addressed is of economic development. Aviation leads of growth of economies at a faster pace. While in search for cheaper fuels, for the cause of meeting environmental concerns, it is important that those alternatives are used which meet the needs of economic growth. These shall result in more employment opportunities and make space for providing cheap air tickets to the passengers. If the use of alternatives is going to result in hindering or curtailing the existing pace of growth and development, then these measures are likely to fall flat.
For this reason, while speaking of sustainability in aviation it is pertinent to move towards renewable resources in all aspects of operations, the sight shall not be lost of what all can be achieved and what all things might not be possible to achieve. Various airline carriers, in close cooperation with the national governments and international bodies have been moving towards sustainable operations. Similarly, efforts are afoot to develop the technology in such a way that would lead to making it feasible for airlines to incorporate these into their scheme of operations.
Martin Wynn
