Future development of the air transport sector – implications for sustainable development

Aviation is critical to social and economic development. Demand is strong and growing. Gulf region economic development is particularly reliant upon air transport. But environmental issues threaten the growth of the industry at a local (airport) and global (airline) level. Issues such as noise, energy use, water use, climate change, peak oil all threaten the potential for aviation to support sustainable development in the longer term. Manchester Metropolitan University has for over 25 years been researching the environmental business threats to the air transport sector, seeking commercially viable solutions through partnership working with airports, airlines, aerospace manufacturers and government departments.