Aerospace Industry: Social Responsibility

Social responsibilities of aerospace industries azmokhtar@miat.unikl.edu.my 2009

Social responsibilities of aerospace industries • Safety and security • Environmental friendly • Disabled and reduced mobility people • Education, Research and Development • Medical and Health • Search and Rescue • Quality of Life • Information and communication

Safety and security • Every year millions of people travel by air. Air safety and security is a vital element for travelers.

Especially after the September 2001 incident at the World Trade Centre.

• Airlines, airports and the aviation authorities have taken drastic measures to ensure air travel is safe.

• Sometimes at the inconvenience of the travelers themselves. They have to follow strict body search at airports. Their hand carry luggages are subjected to thorough checks by airport security officers.

• http://www.airsafe.com/

Environmental friendly • Aerospace industry and air travel are contributors of water, air and noise pollution. It also carry some dangerous goods as cargo onboard the aircraft. Spillage of those dangerous goods like chemicals would have serious adverse effects on the environment.

• The construction of airports, roads leading to it and other supporting infrastructures would damage the natural ecosystem if not properly manage. There is a requirement in most countries for an Environment Impact Assessment (E.I.A) to be carried out.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviation_and_the_environment

Disabled and reduced mobility people • The requirements in many develop countries for access to air travel by this group of passenger is being supported by their respective governments.

• In USA and UK regulations are enforced to ensure airlines and airports provide easy access to this group of people. In Malaysia pressure groups in the form of NGOs are championing their cause.

•

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=125&pagetype=90&pageid=8224

Education, Research and Development • Aerospace scientists are pioneers in many technologies. Innovations and new inventions are many. In many aerospace nations we will find strong collaboration between the industry and the universities. The smart partnership is a win win for both the industries and the educational communities. • http://www.erau.edu/

Medical and Health • The technology develop for aerospace systems are now being used in the field of medical engineering.

New smart materials are finding its uses in many surgeries and procedures that help patients. • Satellites are helping doctors to communicate with other remote hospitals around the world. In fact the advancement in satellite communication are making remotely controlled surgery a possibility in this era. • http://ipp.nasa.gov/innovation/Innovation_75/ftre.htm

Search and Rescue • During the tsunami disaster in Aceh Indonesia the air rescue had played a very significant role in saving thousands of life. Airlift of injured people, dropping of foods and medical supplies are carried out by aircrafts and helicopters during emergencies. •

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/01/01/asia.quake/index.html

Quality of Life • Aerospace technologies have changed the way people work, travel, communicate and exchange information. One would not be able to function properly if we are deprived of the modern technologies and facilities accorded by the advancement in aerospace.

Information and communication • Aerospace technology greatest contribution apart from flying is in satellite communication. Many people lives are now depended on the system. Flight navigation, Global positioning , Tracking of goods, Weather forecast, Broadcasting, Mapping and etc. • http://www.insidegnss.com/

Summary