Developing the Future Aviation System

This book provides a general account, with more breadth and depth than usual for a general book, of how some aspects of aviation will develop in the next few decades.

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The major changes taking place in technology have some of the greatest effect in the world of aviation. Yet, in an industry which started with the concept of 'open skies', each sector has traditionally developed on its own and adjusted to developments in other areas as and when required. The need for integration is particularly important as the skies become increasingly crowded. More intense commercialization dramatically increases the interlocking between technological developments and the size of the financial investments required. For maximum efficiency the aviation system thus has to develop as an integrated whole with a greater awareness of events in other sectors. This book is intended to meet this requirement by addressing the breadth and depth of the aviation system and looking at some areas where significant advances are happening. While following the processes of development, the reader will see where the results might lead in the new century. Its three parts concentrate on areas of great significance - in integration as well as in technological progress - especially for their impact on human and social aspects. The editor and the invited contributors are amongst the foremost experts, researchers and industry leaders in their fields in the global aviation community, many with hands-on experience of massive change. The intended readership includes those who are moving into management functions in air traffic management, airplane manufacturing and airline operations; in training centres, colleges and institutions.