Examination of global airline collaborations' sustainability activities within the framework of ICAO and IATA sustainability goals

The aviation industry has witnessed significant growth in conjunction with rapidly increasing global mobility and economic expansion. However, this growth presents substantial challenges in terms of sustainability. This thesis aims to examine the sustainability activities of airline companies that are members of global airline alliances (StarAlliance, SkyTeam, and OneWorld) in the context of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA). Initially, the strategies and efforts of ICAO to address the environmental impacts of the aviation sector are analyzed. By examining ICAO's sustainability projects and practices, the industry's goals for reducing environmental impacts and controlling emissions are considered. Subsequently, the focus is on IATA's sustainability strategies and initiatives for airline operations. IATA's environmental sustainability programs and collaborative approaches emphasize efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of the sector. The study demonstrates that companies have taken significant steps towards their sustainability goals, but there has been comparatively less progress, particularly in specific areas such as alternative fuels, biodiversity conservation, and net-zero carbon emissions. These deficiencies indicate a clear need to reach sustainability objectives. The study presents a wide range of strategies, ranging from technological innovations to regulatory compliance, collaboration, and education, to address these shortcomings. Furthermore, it offers a roadmap that can guide the aviation industry in achieving both economic growth and environmental protection, as well as social responsibility goals. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the necessity of a multidimensional and integrated approach for the aviation industry to create a sustainable future.