What the study found
The study found strong public support for more environmentally friendly aircraft and a generally favorable attitude toward environmental responsibility among stakeholder groups in Lebanon’s airline sector. It also found that several barriers, including fuel substitutes, weak regulatory frameworks, and financial instability, delay approval of sustainability efforts.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that their context-sensitive framework helps explain the relationship between stakeholder expectations and institutional realities in developing and fragile states. They also provide practical suggestions for policymakers and airline managers on aligning sector recovery with global sustainability objectives.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a mixed-method evaluation of Middle East Airlines (MEA), combining passenger and staff surveys with interviews with senior managers and aviation experts. The study examined the potential of sustainable aviation in Lebanon, using the Triple Bottom Line, which looks at environmental, social, and economic performance, and Stakeholder Theory.
What worked and what didn't
What worked was the generally favorable attitude toward environmental responsibility and the strong public support for greener aircraft. What did not work were the operational barriers, including uncertain fuel substitutes, inadequate regulation, and financial instability, which the study says delay approval of sustainability projects.
What to keep in mind
The abstract focuses on one airline case study in Lebanon, so the findings are specific to that setting. It does not provide detailed numerical results or describe limitations beyond the fragile-state context already noted.
Key points
- Stakeholders in Lebanon showed strong support for more environmentally friendly aircraft.
- Environmental responsibility was viewed generally favorably across stakeholder groups.
- Fuel substitutes, weak regulation, and financial instability were identified as barriers.
- The study examined Middle East Airlines using surveys and interviews.
- The authors frame the findings with the Triple Bottom Line and Stakeholder Theory.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Lebanon study finds support for greener aviation despite major barriers
- Authors:
- Milad Khatib, Janna Al Sayed
- Institutions:
- American University of Science and Technology, Islamic University of Lebanon, Lebanese International University, University of Balamand
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-26
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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