A Thematic Analysis, Definition, and a Green Aviation Conceptual Model—Putting It All Together

Raafat George Saade (), Xue Zhang, Ce Yu and Junchen Yao
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Raafat George Saade: Beijing Institute of Technology, School of Global Governance, Beijing 100081, China
Xue Zhang: International Association for Green Aviation, School of Global Governance, Beijing 100081, China
Ce Yu: International Association for Green Aviation, Beijing 100081, China
Junchen Yao: International Association for Green Aviation, Beijing 100081, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-25

Abstract: The notion of ‘Green Aviation’ has gained interest over the last three years. However, there is no clear definition of what the term green aviation means. Many interpret the meaning to describe the focus of their study, resulting in a diverse understanding of what it entails. In this study, we present our systematic approach to proposing a definition that meets all stakeholders’ understanding and extract from the definition an actionable framework. Focusing on total quality management and circular economy frameworks, we followed a two-step approach towards the definition: Conduct a thematic analysis on the body of literature, followed by consultations with green aviation professionals. Green aviation is defined as sustainable aviation practices to minimize environmental impact and continuously improve social wellbeing. This definition is used to extract a conceptual framework to help future research work and sustainability integration into the practitioner’s strategic planning. The proposed framework adapts the triple bottom line theory to include an organization’s level of social, environmental, and economic integration towards increased ‘sustainability value’. Our study findings provide organizations with insight into pathways towards the successful integration of their environmental goals into their strategic planning, where continuous improvement and social responsibility play a central role.

Keywords: green aviation; airlines; airports; policy and regulations; carbon offsetting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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