The Management of Sustainability within Leading Airlines in the Middle East / Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The aviation industry is encountering intense expectations to address the environmental and social and economic sustainability concerns, as air travel has become a fundamental aspect of today’s world, the aviation gas emissions has negatively impacted the environment, in addition, it has also affected both social and economic sustainability (Salih Aygün, 2023). According to to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation sector was responsible for around 2-3% of global CO2 emissions in 2019. And the percentage is increasing as a result to ongoing growth of air travel. To address this the aviation sector is actively integrating sustainability practices to reduce its environmental impact while sustaining its essential role in transportation and commerce. Multiple initiatives have been implemented to optimize aviation's sustainability. Such as greener aviation technologies for example, fuel-efficient planes, cutting-edge aerodynamics and propulsion systems, and the use of alternative fuels like biofuels (SAF's) (Salih Aygün, 2023). The aviation sector in the middle east contribute substantially to the sustainability crisis, especially the Gulf region, Middle East aviation industry comprises 4.5 percent of the global aviation market. thanks to its strategic location bridging Asia, Europe, and Africa, becoming a central hub for travellers and logistics. Furthermore, the number of air passengers in the region is expected to increase by 2030. (N Bahman, 2023). it is hoped that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how the aviation sector in the middle east manages and implement sustainability. This study research investigation fills a gap in the literature by contributing to the existing body of academic discourse into this area of research. Despite the numerous sustainability initiatives and policies implemented within the aviation sector in the middle east region, one of the most significant current discussions in the sustainability management in middle east airlines is the balance between the management of the increasing numbers of air passengers with the simultaneous implementation of sustainable practices within the social and environmental and economic context.