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Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Aviation Manufacturing: A Perspective from Green Innovation in China

Author

Listed:
  • Guangfan Sun

    (Aviation Industry Development Research Center of China, Beijing 100029, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yue Song

    (School of Business, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Jianqiang Xiao

    (Aviation Industry Development Research Center of China, Beijing 100029, China)

  • Daosheng Xu

    (School of Economics and Management, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China)

Abstract

In the pursuit of global industrial sustainable development and carbon neutrality goals, the aviation manufacturing sector serves as a strategic pillar for advancing global economic growth, driving technological innovation and enhancing national competitiveness. Its green innovation has thus become a critical pathway to achieving carbon neutrality targets and spearheading the sustainable transformation of the industrial sector. This study investigates the enabling effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on green innovation within aviation manufacturing enterprises. The findings indicate that AI exerts a promotional impact on green innovation via three primary channels: technological empowerment, labor structure optimization and resource access improvement. Specifically, AI drives the digital transformation of operational processes in aviation manufacturing, rationalizes the human resource framework of the sector, and eases the financing pressures confronted by aviation manufacturing enterprises. A heterogeneity analysis reveals that regional resource endowments, enterprise production attribute characteristics and external market attention can form synergistic interactions with AI technology. What is more prominent is that the positive influence of AI on green innovation is especially distinct in three scenarios: in economically developed urban areas, among enterprises with traditional production attributes, and for enterprises that garner high levels of analyst attention.

Suggested Citation

  • Guangfan Sun & Yue Song & Jianqiang Xiao & Daosheng Xu, 2026. "Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Aviation Manufacturing: A Perspective from Green Innovation in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:9:p:4298-:d:1929124
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