Strategy for sustainable air traffic of the future

Abstract

Air traffic enables the rapid worldwide transportation of persons and goods. It has increased over the last 20 years and will continue to grow in the medium term. However, this is associated with considerable environmental and health problems caused by greenhouse gases, air pollutants and noise. Therefore, an integrated approach is necessary. The German Environment Agency has developed a strategy for sustainable air traffic of the future. It contains ambitious goals to be reached by 2050, with an intermediate step by 2030. The strategy consists of eight modules that are coordinated and interlinked. They describe various instruments and measures at international, national, and local level. The key features of the strategy are presented. Moreover, the module on aircraft noise is explained in detail. It comprises instruments and measures to reduce aircraft noise. A significant reduction of aircraft noise in the vicinity of airports can be achieved through noise quotas during the day and strict flight restrictions at night. These instruments are also discussed. The strategy shows a realistic way to shape air traffic as environmentally as possible by 2050. Sustainable air traffic is characterised by the fact that it is both effectively reducing environmental impacts and meeting peopleâ€Ìs mobility needs. ©2023 Thomas Myck et al.