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This study evaluates the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) applications on environmental, economic, and social sustainability in the aviation sector. A qualitative conceptual review was conducted using academic literature, reports from international organizations, and sectoral practices, with the data analyzed through thematic analysis. AI applications are examined across seven operational areas: demand forecasting and dynamic pricing, passenger experience and service management, maintenance and repair, air traffic management, airport energy management, flight safety and emergency management, and environmental impact management. The analysis shows that AI-based systems can improve operational efficiency, contribute to reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, optimize resource utilization through data-driven decision support, and support service quality and operational reliability. Their effectiveness, however, depends on more than technical capabilities, with ethical governance, human–machine interaction, data quality, and organizational alignment also playing important roles. Overall, AI can play an important role in sustainable transformation in aviation, but its applications need to be considered within a holistic sustainability perspective.
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