The study defined an initial set of indicators to evaluate the impacts of the aviation sector on society in Europe, as a step towards assessing its sustainability. Sustainable growth or sustainable development is a concept interpreted as a support to economic growth itself, while avoiding, preventing, minimising or compensating for social adverse effects, and irreversible environmental effects.
The stakeholder groups which were examined in terms of economic, environmental and social impacts include airlines, ANSPs, airports, military, and regulatory authorities. The indicators were analysed for each domain and each actor to find out the sustainability trend evolution in the recent years.