Explore our sustainable aviation research
The Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT) works closely with Griffith Aviation to lead Griffith University’s research into sustainable, regenerative and low-carbon technologies and opportunities for the Aviation sector.
The research projects are transdisciplinary, examining and developing innovative solutions to help aviation businesses, including airlines, airports and the broader aviation ecosystem, to achieve their sustainable development and zero-carbon objectives.
The research is embedded in systems thinking, and is collaborative in design, partnering with aviation stakeholders across the globe. Our research works to identify and implement solutions to help future proof the sector and effectively manage sectoral risks and impacts.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to contributing to a sustainable future, protecting our planet’s ecosystems, and ensuring a liveable environment for present and future generations.
Aviation reimagined - Contextualising decarbonisation
October 2024
Griffith University’s acclaimed webinar series is back in 2024, focusing on the latest trends, research, and innovations in "Aviation Reimagined – Contextualising Decarbonisation." Throughout October, experts will delve into some of the very relevant but less talked about contextual aspects of aviation decarbonisation. It will cover economics, regulation, environmental science, and social implications.
This series is hosted in partnership with Griffith’s Climate Ready Initiative, Griffith Institute for Tourism, and Griffith Aviation, featuring insights and ideas from national and international leaders in the field.
Sustainable aviation research
2023 Aviation Reimagined - Virtual Webinar Series
Griffith University’s successful webinar series returned in 2023 to discuss the latest trends, research and innovation in Aviation Reimagined – Decarbonising Flight.
Over four sessions, we heard from subject matter experts on aviation science, technological innovations, transformative policy and climate ready aviation in the sector.
2022 Aviation Reimagined - Virtual Webinar Series
Over six short sessions in September, industry leaders, policymakers and researchers shared their insights about a transition to a low-carbon future for aviation. This was the third consecutive year running this successful series, with new speakers and contributors delivering innovative insights from around the world.
2021 Aviation Reimagined - Virtual Webinar Series
A second webinar series on Aviation Reimagined – Decarbonising Flight was held in 2021.
Over five short sessions in September, we further explored research, innovation and good practice that is underway in the aviation sector with regards to new fuels and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Sky’s the Limit for Sustainable Aviation
GIFT and Griffith Aviation developed an animation to help raise awareness of the low-emission technological innovation and practical advancements that are underway globally in the aviation sector. Economic recovery from Covid-19 and an increased appetite for sustainable investment present the opportunity for airlines and airports to develop and adopt new technologies and practices to reduce impact, emissions, and champion sustainability. GIFT and Griffith Aviation encourage leaders and decision makers in Australia to support research, development and demonstration projects for these emerging technologies.
2020 Aviation Reimagined - Virtual Webinar Series
In 2020, Griffith Institute for Tourism in partnership with Griffith Aviation hosted the first virtual webinar series on Aviation Reimagined – Decarbonising Flight. Over three sessions we explored research, innovation and good practice that is underway in the aviation sector with regards to new fuels and the transition to a low-carbon economy. The presentations and panel discussion also considered the opportunities and challenges for Queensland.
Airline Initiatives to Reduce Climate Impact
Airlines are facing mounting pressure from governments, the public and media to reduce their fast-growing CO2 emissions. Scientists have calculated that the ‘carbon budget’ that remains to stay safely within 1.5 degrees Celsius warming will be depleted in 8 years and 2 months (from November 2019), assuming current levels of emissions. Whilst airlines currently only represent 2-4% of emissions, their share will increase to well over 20% in 2050 should aviation continue on its current growth path.
Sustainable aviation researchers
Dr Emma Whittlesea
Dr Emma Whittlesea was previously the Program Director for Griffith’s Climate Ready Initiative and is now the Head of Partnerships at Stralis Aircraft. She has over 25 years’ experience working with communities and public, private, and not-for-profit sectors within the UK, Europe, and Australia to advance sustainability. Her professional focus is to enable climate action through effective partnerships and collaborative projects, with a particular interest in the advancement of zero emission travel.
Professor Susanne Becken
Susanne Becken is a Professor of Sustainable Tourism at Griffith University in Australia and the Principal Science Investment Advisor (Visitor) in the Department of Conservation, New Zealand. She has published over 120 articles on sustainable tourism, climate change and tourism resource use, and contributes to a wide range of national and international sustainable tourism initiatives, including through her role with Travalyst, Air New Zealand, EarthCheck Research Institute, and the New Zealand Tourism Data Leadership Group.
Professor Tim Ryley
Tim Ryley is Professor of Aviation, within the School of Engineering and Built Environment at Griffith University. With over twenty-five years of transport research experience, his current research includes environmental issues associated with aviation, such as the relationship between aviation and climate change. Tim’s research is typically inter-disciplinary and industry-linked; he has developed research and consultancy collaborations with many aviation industry stakeholders, including airport, airlines and Government bodies.
Paresh Pant, PhD Candidate
Paresh Pant is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate at the department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management at Griffith University. He has nearly two decades of executive management experience at Tourism Fiji, Fiji’s national tourism office, based in Sydney and in Auckland and at Pacific Bedbank, a tourism technology provider serving thirteen Pacific Island countries. His research interests in the aviation industry are two-fold; curating consumer experiences at airports and reducing aviation industry’s impact on climate change through new technology.