Integrating sustainability in aerospace product development: challenges and pathways for change

Licentiate thesis, 2026

This thesis explores sustainable product development in the aerospace industry, an inherently complex sector with long product lifecycles, advanced technology, high safety standards, and an urgent need to become more sustainable. The aim of this thesis is to clarify the challenges associated with integrating sustainability in aerospace product development, and to propose how aerospace design practice could change to ensure further sustainability integration.

The research conducted for this thesis work employs a multiple case study approach with two main aerospace companies, which participated in all empirical studies in this thesis. Using a qualitative research approach, four studies were conducted. Together, they provide an understanding of: i) current sustainability integration in aerospace product development and underlying reasons, ii) challenges for further sustainability integration, iii) capability needs and main levers to overcome sustainability integration challenges.

The findings indicate that, despite many constraints, aerospace manufacturing companies can significantly influence the sustainability impact of the products they design. Developing products towards sustainability requires new capabilities to effectively assess sustainability performance, navigate trade-offs, and mobilise relevant stakeholders throughout the product development process. Sustainability should become a driver for product development decisions, influencing which projects are realised and what concepts are selected.

The study advances scientific knowledge by providing in depth empirical insights into sustainability integration barriers and leverage points for advancing sustainable product development. This research supports aerospace practice by providing a structured taxonomy of challenges, an overview of necessary capabilities, and levers to help practitioners further integrate sustainability into product development.