A Pareto-Optimization-Driven Supply Reduction Model for In-Flight Drinking Water Packaging in Short-Haul Civil Aviation: Sustainable Design Framework Balancing Economic Efficiency and Environment

Abstract

Under the global demand for ecological environmental sustainability, research addressing the wastage of bottled drinking water in civil aviation aircraft remains understudied. Focusing on short-haul civil aviation aircraft scenarios, the research team conducted interdisciplinary investigations into the application of Pareto optimization theory in design studies. It reveals that the daily wastage of bottled water in China's civil aviation operations ranges between 192,000 L to 248,000 L. To address this complex challenge, a modular reduced-supply model is proposed as a quantifiable systematic solution. The study introduces an innovative design for a quantified water supply system based on 250 mL packaging units, which aims to achieve Pareto optimality by balancing marginal benefits between airline operational costs and passenger hydration needs at high altitudes. This approach is projected to conserve at least 70 metric tons of drinking water annually in China's short-haul aviation sector. Beyond contributing actionable strategies to mitigate bottled water waste, this research offers novel perspectives for sustainable transformation in specialized domains and interdisciplinary problem-solving methodologies in design practice.