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Sustainability
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Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality
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Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Transportation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 19195

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Vittorio Di Vito

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali, Capua, Italy
Interests: air traffic management; air traffic optimization; autonomous flight systems; detect and avoid; remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS); urban air mobility (UAM); aviation operations sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Gabriella Duca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Sustainable Society and Innovation, Naples, Italy
Interests: Human factors integration; social sustainability; safety culture; inclusive design
Raffaella Russo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Institute for Sustainable Society and Innovation, Naples, Italy
Interests: socio-economic vulnerability; social acceptance; socio-ecomomic barriers to systems resilience; risk and innovation communication

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide researchers in the field of air transport and multimodal transport with a place to share their ideas and results about their latest research and development activities. The addressed topic has been of relevant importance in recent years, given the increasing attention that is devoted to sustainability aspects in aviation and to the emerging need to achieve multimodality in transportation by integrating the vertical dimension with the horizontal one in particular in urban and peri-urban environments. The topic, therefore, also includes new concepts of urban air mobility (UAM), advanced air mobility (AAM), unmanned traffic management (UTM), and U-space, which are emerging as new perspective paradigms for transport and flying traffic management in the future cities, which in turn will have to implement proper actions to adapt their urban structure to host new infrastructure, enabling new mobility forms, both on the surface and in the air.

The research community is considering new technologies and concpets regarding the implementation of seamless door-to-door travel, which requires the implementation of fully integrated intermodal transport systems, allowing passengers easy and seamless transfer between different transport modes, where air traffic management (ATM) and air transport can play a fundamental role. In this framework, the new paradigm from the ATM perspective is one of shifting from the optimization of the air segment of the journey to the optimization of the overall journey, including not only the air segment but also the surface and even water transport segments.

Through such a new global optimization paradigm, it will be possible to increase the efficiency of the overall transport chain by improving the interoperability of the different modes of transport, while at the same time increasing environmental, social and economic sustainability, whose complementary implications are of the utmost importance today and will become more and more fundamental in the future, making more efficient use of existing and future infrastructure.

To be more precise, the topics covered in this Special Issue include (but are not limited to) the following: air traffic management (ATM), advanced air mobility (AAM), unmanned traffic management (UTM) and U-space, urban air mobility (UAM), sustainability in transportation, multimodal transport, integrated transport services, digitalisation in multimodal transport management, data sharing in multimodal transport, automation in vertical and surface transport vehicles, algorithmic governance, and new paradigms and infrastructure in air, rail, and water transport.

Dr. Vittorio Di Vito
Dr. Gabriella Duca
Raffaella Russo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • air traffic management (ATM)
  • door-to-door transport
  • urban air mobility (UAM)
  • advanced air mobility (AAM)
  • unmanned traffic management (UTM)
  • U-space
  • multimodal transport concept of operations (ConOps)
  • intermodal transport
  • passenger experience
  • journey optimization
  • air transport
  • surface transport
  • rail transport
  • water transport

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 238 KiB  
Article
Public Acceptance of the Use of Drones in City Logistics: A Citizen-Centric Perspective
by Sandra Melo, Flavia Silva, Mohammad Abbasi, Parisa Ahani and Joaquim Macedo
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2621; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15032621 - 01 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1803
Abstract
The specific use of drones for city logistics has been increasingly studied and analysed by research and industry. An examination of the findings in the literature indicates that drones have proven to be a useful and added-value tool in the most diverse fields. [...] Read more.
The specific use of drones for city logistics has been increasingly studied and analysed by research and industry. An examination of the findings in the literature indicates that drones have proven to be a useful and added-value tool in the most diverse fields. However, the importance of the citizen’s perspective has still not been sufficiently incorporated into the deployment of urban air mobility systems. This paper seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between public knowledge and the awareness of, and engagement with, drones, alongside the concerns and support for their use in city logistics. A survey was carried out in Portugal of the citizens with a view to better understanding their attitude towards such a goal. The survey revealed a positive attitude towards the use of drones in city logistics and that socio-demographic characteristics, namely gender, education level, job occupation, age, and home location are not directly correlated with citizens’ attitudes. Moreover, citizens revealed that they favour a potential environmental benefit over a reduction in delivery time, which they would be willing to pay for. The policy implications derived can help develop the knowledge of public perception about drone usage for transport-related tasks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality)
20 pages, 3350 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Efficiency of Future Multimodal Networks: A Door-to-Door Case in Europe
by Margarita Bagamanova, Miguel Mujica Mota and Vittorio Di Vito
Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13621; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142013621 - 20 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1980
Abstract
It is expected that future transportation technologies will positively impact how passengers travel to their destinations. Europe aims to integrate air transport into the overall multimodal transport network to provide better service to passengers, while reducing travel time and making the network more [...] Read more.
It is expected that future transportation technologies will positively impact how passengers travel to their destinations. Europe aims to integrate air transport into the overall multimodal transport network to provide better service to passengers, while reducing travel time and making the network more resilient to disruptions. This study presents an approach that investigates these aspects by developing a simulation platform consisting of different models, allowing us to simulate the complete door-to-door trajectory of passengers. To address the future potential, we devised scenarios considering three time horizons: 2025, 2035, and 2050. The experimental design allowed us to identify potential obstacles for future travel, the impact on the system’s resilience, and how the integration of novel technology affects proxy indicators of the level of service, such as travel time or speed. In this paper, we present for the first time an innovative methodology that enables the modelling and simulation of door-to-door travel to investigate the future performance of the transport network. We apply this methodology to the case of a travel trajectory from Germany to Amsterdam considering a regional and a hub airport; it was built considering current information and informed assumptions for future horizons. Results indicate that, with the new technology, the system becomes more resilient and generally performs better, as the mean speed and travel time are improved. Furthermore, they also indicate that the performance could be further improved considering other elements such as algorithmic governance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality)
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17 pages, 2278 KiB  
Article
Passenger Dimensions in Sustainable Multimodal Mobility Services
by Gabriella Duca, Barbara Trincone, Margarita Bagamanova, Peter Meincke, Raffaella Russo and Vittorio Sangermano
Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12254; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su141912254 - 27 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Seamless integration of air segment in the overall multimodal mobility chain is a key challenge to provide more efficient and sustainable transport services. Technology advances offer a unique opportunity to build a new generation of transport services able to match the evolving expectations [...] Read more.
Seamless integration of air segment in the overall multimodal mobility chain is a key challenge to provide more efficient and sustainable transport services. Technology advances offer a unique opportunity to build a new generation of transport services able to match the evolving expectations and needs of society as a whole. In this context, the passenger-centric approach represents a method to inform the design of future mobility services, supporting quality of life, security and services to citizens traveling across Europe. Relying on the concepts of inclusive design, context of use and task analysis, in this article, we present a comprehensive methodological framework for the analysis of passenger characteristics to elicit features and requirements for future multimodal mobility services, including air leg, that are relevant from the perspective of passengers. The proposed methodology was applied to a series of specific use cases envisaged for three time horizons, 2025, 2035 and 2050, in the context of a European research project. Then, passenger-focused key performance indicators and related metrics were derived to be included in a validation step, with the aim of assessing the extent of benefit for passengers that can be achieved in the forecasted scenarios. The results of the study demonstrate the relevance of human variability in the design of public services, as well as the feasibility of personalized performance assessment of mobility services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality)
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14 pages, 925 KiB  
Article
Air Transport Centrality as a Driver of Sustainable Regional Growth: A Case of Vietnam
by Tu Anh Trinh, Ducksu Seo, Unchong Kim, Thi Nhu Quynh Phan and Thi Hai Hang Nguyen
Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9746; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14159746 - 08 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1657
Abstract
With fast-growing aviation markets, many developing countries are showing remarkable economic development in global terms. As significant growth of air transportation is crucially interrelated with regional growth, it is essential to identify relevant criteria to ensure effective allocation of investments in this regard. [...] Read more.
With fast-growing aviation markets, many developing countries are showing remarkable economic development in global terms. As significant growth of air transportation is crucially interrelated with regional growth, it is essential to identify relevant criteria to ensure effective allocation of investments in this regard. This study aimed to investigate airport centrality using social network analysis to detect the key hubs and examine the interrelationship between airport centrality and regional economy indicators in Vietnamese regions. The results revealed that the cities of Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, and Da Nang were the key regional hub airports in the air transport network and the development of these leading cities had played a significant role in promoting the improvement of the entire domestic air network. Moreover, the results showed a strong positive correlation between airport centrality and regional growth features. Therefore, policymakers can optimize their decision-making processes in relation to sustainable regional development by considering air transport mobility and network in addition to conventional socioeconomic criteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality)
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23 pages, 1645 KiB  
Article
Airport Access Mode Choice: Analysis of Passengers’ Behavior in European Countries
by Aleksandra Colovic, Salvatore Gabriele Pilone, Katarina Kukić, Milica Kalić, Slavica Dožić, Danica Babić and Michele Ottomanelli
Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9267; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14159267 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2311
Abstract
Transportation systems require many challenges in providing seamless door-to-door mobility. The main initiatives are encouraging a shift from private to other transport modes by providing a fully integrated multimodal service in which the coordination and data sharing among different stakeholders are required. The [...] Read more.
Transportation systems require many challenges in providing seamless door-to-door mobility. The main initiatives are encouraging a shift from private to other transport modes by providing a fully integrated multimodal service in which the coordination and data sharing among different stakeholders are required. The idea of this paper is to analyze the mode choice, as well as the variables that affect the travelers’ airport access mode choice. For that purpose, we used multinomial logistics (MNL) regression to determine probability of mode choice given various multimodal chain alternatives. The inputs of the proposed model were based on the answers from the participants of the online survey which was disseminated in Europe. Through more than 2000 answers to the survey, we collected the data related to the factors that influence the airport access mode choice, travelers’ attitude, motives for traveling, as well as the socio-demographics of participants. Afterwards, we investigated the influence of the main factors that have an impact on the non-coordination in the multimodal travel chain. The obtained results highlight the impact of the factors “reliability” and “waiting time” in making mode choice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality)
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20 pages, 914 KiB  
Article
Integrated Door-to-Door Transport Services for Air Passengers: From Intermodality to Multimodality
by Danica Babić, Milica Kalić, Milan Janić, Slavica Dožić and Katarina Kukić
Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6503; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14116503 - 26 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3036
Abstract
Intermodal and multimodal door-to-door journeys refer to the usage of various transport modes (air, rail, bus, road or maritime) by the traveler to complete a single journey. The main difference between these two approaches is that multimodal transport is executed under a single [...] Read more.
Intermodal and multimodal door-to-door journeys refer to the usage of various transport modes (air, rail, bus, road or maritime) by the traveler to complete a single journey. The main difference between these two approaches is that multimodal transport is executed under a single transport contract (a single ticket) between the passenger, on the one hand, and transport operators, on the other hand. The benefits of this type of service are reflected in the potential to save time and money. Such systems would make the transport sector greener and more sustainable, promote growth and reduce carbon emissions. The purpose of this paper is to define the concept of an air passenger multimodal transport system, identify factors and challenges that determine such a system’s development within Europe and to provide recommendations and directions for future research. The research carried out so far has indicated that market segmentation and transport system characteristics, as well as economic, social and political factors, have direct impacts on system development. This paper provides the basis for introducing single ticket, timetable synchronization and data sharing services, as well as the need to update the related regulations in order to move towards air passenger multimodality in both research and practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality)
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Review

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17 pages, 311 KiB  
Review
Social Sustainable Urban Air Mobility in Europe
by Tobias Biehle
Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9312; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14159312 - 29 Jul 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3347
Abstract
The first step to steer passenger Urban Air Mobility (pUAM) towards the necessity of sustainability is to understand its impact on our urban transportation systems. This research emphasises the social footprint of passenger drones in scheduled operation as an early business model in [...] Read more.
The first step to steer passenger Urban Air Mobility (pUAM) towards the necessity of sustainability is to understand its impact on our urban transportation systems. This research emphasises the social footprint of passenger drones in scheduled operation as an early business model in European Functional Urban Areas. The literature review is guided by the corresponding Sustainable Urban Mobility Indicators (SUMI). The prospective impact which the introduction of pUAM has on the evaluation of European transportation systems regarding their affordability for the public, their inclusivity for mobility-impaired groups, their accessibility to commuters and the level of customer satisfaction is analysed. Furthermore, the impact of pUAM on the perceived quality of public urban space is examined. Results indicate the overall social footprint of passenger drones in European transport systems to be negative. Early market pUAM may lead to an unbalanced distribution of potential benefits, with services tailored to address only a limited number of citizens. Highlighting pathways for a societal benefiting technology, recommendations are provided for urban planning and city development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality)

Other

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14 pages, 2396 KiB  
Concept Paper
X-TEAM D2D Project: Designing and Validating a Concept of Operations for Door-To-Door Multimodal Transport
by Vittorio Di Vito, Roberto Valentino Montaquila, Giovanni Cerasuolo, Bartosz Dziugieł, Maciej Maczka, Anna Mazur, Peter A. Meincke, Fares Naser, Miguel Mujica Mota, Margarita Bagamanova, Abdel el Makhloufi, Gabriella Duca, Raffaella Russo, Luigi Brucculeri and Stefano Proietti
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2380; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15032380 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1531
Abstract
The project X-TEAM D2D (extended ATM for door-to-door travel) has been funded by SESAR JU in the framework of the research activities devoted to the investigation of integration of Air Traffic Management (ATM) and aviation into a wider transport system able to support [...] Read more.
The project X-TEAM D2D (extended ATM for door-to-door travel) has been funded by SESAR JU in the framework of the research activities devoted to the investigation of integration of Air Traffic Management (ATM) and aviation into a wider transport system able to support the implementation of the door-to-door (D2D) travel concept. The project defines a concept for the seamless integration of ATM and Air Transport into an intermodal network, including other available transportation means, such as surface and waterways, to contribute to the 4 h door-to-door connectivity targeted by the European Commission in the ACARE SRIA FlightPath 2050 goals. In particular, the project focused on the design of a concept of operations for urban and extended urban (up to regional) integrated mobility, taking into account the evolution of transportation and passengers service scenarios for the next decades, according to baseline (2025), intermediate (2035) and final target (2050) time horizons. The designed ConOps encompassed both the transportation platforms integration concepts and the innovative seamless Mobility as a Service, integrating emerging technologies, such as Urban Air Mobility (e.g., electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles) and new mobility forms (e.g., micromobility vehicles) into the intermodal traffic network, including Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM). The developed concept has been evaluated against existing KPAs and KPIs, implementing both qualitative and quantitative performance assessment approaches, while also considering specific performance metrics related to transport integration efficiency from the passenger point of view, being the proposed solution designed to be centered around the passenger needs. The aim of this paper is to provide a description of the activities carried out in the project and to present at high level the related outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality)
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