An Introductory Study of the Sustainability Transition for the Aerospace Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

This paper explores the needs and clarify the sustainability challenges in relation to complex lifecycles within the aerospace field. It is an introductory study to understand how to improve the sustainability performance of aerospace solutions and aim to propose a comprehensive sustainability transition roadmap for the Aerospace industry in further research work. Society is increasingly demanding that the aviation industry adopt more sustainable practices, resulting in the formulation of new regulations and policies to limit the sustainability risks of this strategic industry. Existing regulations, such as the EU’s Green Deal and the EU’s critical raw materials act, are already impacting the Swedish aerospace manufacturing industry. Furthermore, circular economy is gaining significant attention in the manufacturing industry in general and is increasingly considered in aerospace. This exploratory and descriptive research is conducted with support of Swedish Aerospace manufacturers and aim to cover real industrial projects with products at different stages of development. The interviewed companies operate within both civil and governmental aerospace sectors, encompassing the entire spectrum of product development, from radically innovative technology introductions to enhancements made to existing systems and components. This paper highlights current challenges and several focus areas on which the aerospace manufacturers have started to work on and will have in focus for the next 5–10 years ahead. Differences in approach have been identified between early product development phases with radical innovations and more advanced and mature product development. The stakes and priorities are different and it is reflected on how the companies are working with sustainability today. There is a need to balance efforts between developing the right future products, and also improving current ones, to lead the sustainability transformation in the aerospace industry.