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Survey on Circular Economy Awareness and Application in the Aviation Sector

✈️ Introduction to the Survey

Dear Respondent,

My name is Ing. Adam Turac, and I am currently pursuing a PhD degree at the Faculty of Aeronautics, Technical University of Košice (Slovakia). My research focuses on the implementation of circular economy principles in the aviation sector, with the goal of identifying current practices, challenges, and opportunities for sustainability within the industry.

This survey is a part of my doctoral dissertation and serves as a key supporting component of my research. The findings will help shape practical recommendations and models that may be applied in real aviation environments—such as airports or airline operations—to promote circular and sustainable practices in the near future.

The questionnaire is intended to collect insights from organizations and professionals across the aviation sector worldwide. Your participation will help to better understand how circular economy principles are being adopted across the industry and what strategies can be developed to support a more sustainable aviation future.

The questionnaire will take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. All responses will be treated confidentially and anonymously, and the data collected will be used exclusively for academic and research purposes.

Thank you very much for your valuable time and contribution!


With kind regards,

Ing. Adam Turac

PhD Student

Faculty of Aeronautics

Technical University of Košice, Slovakia

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I. Introductory Questions – Basic Information about the Respondent 1. Please indicate the name of your organization/company/institution. (Optional – This information is requested solely for research classification purposes and will not be used to identify respondents.)

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2. What is the size of your organization (based on number of employees)? (Select one option)

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3. What is the primary area of your organization’s activity within the aviation sector?

Select one or more answers
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II. Knowledge of Circular Economy 4. Have you heard of the concept of the “circular economy”? (Select one option)

Select one answer
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5. Which of the following aspects do you consider most important for the application of circular economy principles in aviation?

Please rate the importance of each aspect on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = least important and 5 = most important.
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III. Current State of Circular Economy Implementation 6. In your opinion, how important is the circular economy for the aviation industry?

Please rate on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = not important at all and 5 = extremely important.
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7. Is your organization currently implementing any circular economy principles?

(Select one option)
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8. In which specific areas does your organization apply circular economy principles?

Select one or more answers
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9. Which circularity indicators does your organization consider the most important?

(Select all relevant options)
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IV. Specific Aspects of Circular Economy in Aviation 10. Approximately what percentage of your organization’s operating budget is allocated to waste management activities?

(Select one option)
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11. What specific actions is your organization taking to ensure sustainable waste management?

Select all relevant options and specify your organization's approach.
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Other (please specify):
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12. Which sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) or alternative energy sources does your company currently use or plan to use?

Please select all relevant options.
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Other (please specify):
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13. Which environmental factors does your organization consider most significant in its operations?

Please rate the importance of each factor on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = least important and 5 = most important.
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Other (please specify):
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V. Opportunities and the Future of Circular Economy in Aviation 13. What are the main benefits you see in using eco-friendly and recyclable solutions in aviation?

Select all that apply.
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14. Which environmental factors does your organization consider the most important in its operations?

Please rate the importance of each factor on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = least important and 5 = most important. Indicative targets (KPI) are included in the description of each item.

Why are these target values relevant?

Carbon emissions reduction: The European Commission and ICAO have set clear targets for lowering emissions in aviation. Airlines are gradually adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and alternative technologies to meet these goals.

Noise reduction: Airports are increasingly enforcing noise restrictions, especially at night. New-generation aircraft are being developed to significantly reduce acoustic impact.

Soil and groundwater contamination: Fuels, de-icing fluids, and chemicals can pollute the environment. Stricter regulations now require proper containment, handling, and disposal.

Waste recycling: The aviation industry is shifting toward a circular economy, aiming to reduce the generation of non-recyclable waste and increase recycling rates.

Efficient water use: Airports are implementing systems for rainwater harvesting and water recycling, which are used for aircraft washing and other operational purposes.


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15. Do you believe that the circular economy will become a global standard in aviation by 2030?

Select one option.

Background Context: Regulatory Support for Sustainability in Aviation

The aviation industry is facing growing environmental challenges, which has led to the adoption of several legislative and regulatory measures aimed at promoting sustainability and the circular economy within the sector:

Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Taxonomy Regulation) – Adopted on June 18, 2020, this regulation establishes a framework to facilitate sustainable investments by defining criteria for environmentally sustainable economic activities, including aviation.

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 – Supplementing Regulation 2020/852, this regulation (adopted on June 4, 2021) sets out technical screening criteria for identifying activities that significantly contribute to climate change mitigation or adaptation. It includes specific criteria for the aviation sector, emphasizing recycling and efficient resource use.

CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) – An international program launched by ICAO to offset and reduce CO₂ emissions in international aviation through market-based measures.

EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) – Publishes guidelines and strategies focused on environmental sustainability, including circular economy integration in aviation safety and operations.

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration, USA) – Issues regulations and recommendations to promote sustainable practices and increased recycling in the aviation industry.

These initiatives reflect a collective effort to transform the aviation sector toward sustainability and circularity at a global scale.

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VI. Final Questions and Recommendations 16. If you had the opportunity to suggest one specific action to improve sustainability in aviation, what would it be?

(Open-ended question)
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17. Would you be interested in participating in any of the following forms of education or consultation related to the circular economy in aviation?

(Select all relevant options)
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19. May we contact you for future research purposes?

(Select one option)
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20. Do you have any additional comments or suggestions regarding this survey?

(Open-ended question)
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Thank You!


Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this survey.

Your insights and feedback are extremely valuable and will contribute significantly to academic research on sustainability and the implementation of circular economy principles in the aviation sector.

Your participation helps us better understand the current state, challenges, and opportunities for building a more sustainable aviation industry.

If you agreed to be contacted for future research, we truly appreciate your continued support.

Wishing you continued success in your work!

With gratitude,

Ing. Adam Turac

PhD Student

Faculty of Aeronautics

Technical University of Košice, Slovakia

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