Sustainable Aviation Operations and the Role of Information Technology and Data Science: Background, Current Status and Future Directions

Abstract

This paper reviews the achievements of the international community towards environmentally friendly aviation operations, also
referred to as Sustainable Aviation Operations in the last 25 years and the aspirations and goals to limit the impact of aviation
and climate in the future. The framework for achieving global progress is provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
NASA and FAA supported research and development to advance ATM concepts, and implemented the technology,
concepts, and procedures that were responsible for creating fuel efficient flights. Historically aviation operations have been
analyzed using physics-based models and provide information for making operational decisions. The introduction of new class
of vehicles in aviation operations require new concepts, procedure, modeling, and analysis techniques. Greater automation and
decentralization will be key aspects of future aviation systems. There is an increasing interest in applying methods based on
Machine Learning Techniques to problems in Air Traffic Management. Aviation operations involving many decision makers,
multiple objectives, poor or unavailable physics-based models and the availability of a rich historical database provide opportunities
to exploit the richness of data-driven methods. Although verifying and validating an AI system may not be different from
introducing other complex systems, there are challenges in testing and certifying AI systems. Many of the emerging technologies
in aviation need investment in infrastructure like vertiports and electric vehicle charging stations to meet the projected demand.
They have to demonstrate value and earn community acceptance in order for the political system to invest in the infrastructure.