A recent study titled Airport Service Providers in Support of SDGs has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Businesses. The research underscores the potential of airport service providers to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through operational sustainability, innovative practices, and collaboration with key stakeholders.
This pilot study focuses on a Romanian airport service provider specializing in ground handling, operations, and passenger services. It highlights how the aviation sector, represented by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is linked to 15 of the 17 SDGs. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes employee questionnaires and management interviews, the research identifies best practices and challenges in aligning operational practices with sustainability objectives.
Key findings reveal high SDG awareness among employees, with positive perceptions of the company’s sustainability initiatives, including pollution reduction, waste management, and energy efficiency. However, the study also identifies gaps in communication, limited collaboration with regulatory bodies, and financial constraints as significant hurdles. Managers and employees call for improved engagement, enhanced adoption of green technologies, and strategic investments to further drive sustainability initiatives.
The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between service providers, airport authorities, and regulatory bodies to achieve meaningful progress. It argues that sustainable aviation requires collective efforts across the ecosystem, with airport service providers playing a central role in fostering innovation and environmental responsibility.
The research is joined by Adrian Cioranu, Director of Strategic Programs at Aviation Infrastructure Management Solutions (AiMS). With over 20 years of experience in aviation operations, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, Cioranu has held leadership positions in esteemed organizations such as EUROCAE, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Airports Council International (ACI). His extensive background in program management and regulatory advocacy lends authority to the study’s recommendations, which provide a practical framework for integrating sustainability into core business operations.
The paper illuminates the critical role of airport service providers and offers actionable insights for improving industry-wide practices. It discusses aligning sustainability initiatives with specific SDGs, suggesting continuous education and active employee engagement are crucial to overcoming existing challenges. The study concludes that fostering a culture of innovation and systematic collaboration will enhance the aviation sector’s contributions to the global sustainability agenda.
As the aviation industry continues to navigate its path toward sustainability, Airport Service Providers in Support of SDGs provide timely and impactful research, reinforcing the importance of collective action to achieve the ambitious goals set forth by the 2030 Agenda. The findings aim to inspire airport service providers and their stakeholders to reimagine their roles in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
You may read the entire paper in the journal Businesses.
For more information about this paper pls contact the author at cioranuadrian21@stud.ase.ro