With China being the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases and its aviation sector rapidly expanding, the environmental performance of Chinese airlines holds global significance. Amid growing demands from customers and regulators for environmentally responsible practices, the interaction between airport infrastructure and environmental performance becomes crucial.

This research offers an innovative methodology to assess the environmental performance of Chinese airlines, emphasizing the distance traveled between airports using weighted additive utility functions. Leveraging neural networks, the study investigates the impact of various airport infrastructure characteristics on environmental performance.

Notable findings indicate that ground control measures, automated information services at departure airports, concrete surfaces on runways at both ends, and central lighting systems at arrival airports positively influence environmental performance. In contrast, longer and wider runways at departure airports, greater distances to control towers, and asphalt runways at arrival airports negatively affect it.

These insights not only highlight the importance of strategic infrastructure improvements to reduce carbon footprints but also carry significant policy implications. As global climate change remains at the forefront, promoting sustainable airport infrastructure in China can make a meaningful contribution to worldwide mitigation efforts.

Researcher: Peter Wanke et al.
Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration (FGV EBAPE)

Learn more