Toward Sustainable Aviation: A Systematic Analysis of Strategies to Reduce Environmental Impact

Over the past few years, the aviation sector has come under growing pressure to adopt environmentally responsible practices, particularly by cutting down on CO₂ emissions that harm ecosystems. This review synthesizes existing literature on innovative strategies and technological developments aiming to support this transition. Particular attention is given to alternative fuels such as liquid hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic alternatives which offer substantial potential to reduce carbon emissions, despite persistent barriers related to cost, availability, and infrastructure readiness. The integration of lightweight composite materials has shown benefits in terms of fuel consumption, yet also presents concerns regarding their end-of-life management and recyclability. Electric propulsion systems are gaining momentum for regional and short-haul applications, although their scalability remains limited by energy storage capabilities and insufficient charging infrastructure. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is emerging as a strategic asset, supporting more efficient operations, resource optimization, and waste reduction. The review methodology is grounded in the PRISMA protocol for article selection, supported by qualitative coding via NVivo and bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer. Overall, the findings underline that achieving meaningful progress in sustainable aviation extends beyond technological solutions, requiring a concerted effort that brings together regulatory frameworks, industrial innovation, and academic research. The insights provided serve as a foundation for guiding future initiatives toward environmentally responsible aviation.