Corporate decisions on sustainable aviation fuel: the cost-sustainability dilemma in business travel
Journal
Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2026-02-05
Author(s)
Abstract
This study examines how the commercialization of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can be optimized in the business travel sector, where aviation-related emissions remain high and corporate sustainability goals increasingly demand action. Using an adaptive choice-based conjoint (ACBC) experiment with sustainability managers from European firms, we analyze how companies evaluate SAF offerings based on fuel type, blend level, certification, billing structure, and cost. Our results reveal a strong preference for certified SAF and bulk procurement models in short-haul travel, where willingness to pay often exceeds benchmark prices. For longhaul travel, however, cost remains a significant barrier, with low SAF content frequently rejected in favor of conventional options. The study highlights how procurement structures, budget constraints, and internal decision-making shape SAF adoption, offering practical insights for corporate travel managers, airlines, and SAF suppliers. From a policy perspective, our exploratory findings suggest that regulatory support could play an important role in accelerating SAF demand. Standardized reporting frameworks, recognition of SAF in emission accounting, and pricing incentives may help reduce entry barriers and better align procurement with climate targets. By focusing on the demand sidean underexplored area in SAF researchthis paper contributes empirical evidence to inform policy design, promote private-sector engagement, and support the scaling of low-carbon aviation solutions.
Language
English (United States)
Keywords
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)Business travelCorporate procurementClimate policyWillingness to pay (WTP)Adaptive choice-based conjoint (ACBC)Transport decarbonization
Business travel
Corporate procurement
climate policy
willingness to pay
adaptive choice based conjoint
transport decarbonisation
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Science Direct
Volume
206
Number
April 20265
Subject(s)
Division(s)
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
open.access
Name
final publiction TRA_page 1.pdf
Size
326.58 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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