Fueling the future: Decoding key factors influencing the adoption of book and claim for the uptake of SAF in the business aviation sector
Type
conference contribution
Date Issued
2025-07-01
Author(s)
Abstract
The air transport industry aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is playing a pivotal role in reducing these emissions significantly. Conversely, the current shortage of SAF, primarily limited to major airports, poses a significant challenge for the business aviation sector, which primarily operates in remote aerodromes. The Book and Claim concept provides a solution by allowing operators to purchase SAF certificates without having to physically refuel their aircraft with SAF. This approach has the potential to reduce carbon emissions, lower costs, and make SAF accessible to everyone. Despite its potential, the adoption of Book and Claim systems in the business aviation sector remains limited, raising questions about relevant factors influencing stakeholders' decision-making.
The existing literature reveals an unexplored research field and a clear research gap to be addressed with the present study. Constructed on the findings of a comprehensive cross-industry literature review, a mixed-methods design has been employed to address the research question. Consequently, a survey incorporating both closed-ended (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative) questions has been conducted among stakeholders in the business aviation sector on an international scale. The combined application of descriptive statistics and thematic analysis enabled the drawing of conclusions.
The study identified several factors across the dimensions of economics, technology, and regulation that might influence the decision-making process of business aviation stakeholders hindering the adoption of SAF through Book and Claim systems. The existence of a knowledge gap among business aviation stakeholders demonstrates the necessity for enhanced education and more targeted promotion in order to increase awareness about the concept of Book and Claim. Furthermore, the lack of subsidies associated with the uptake of SAF and the complexity of the processes involved in the integration and usage of Book and Claim solutions present additional challenges. Fears surrounding credibility, transparency, and potential greenwashing practices, among other concerns, contribute to a climate of skepticism, which in turn impedes the utilization of existing solutions. Ultimately, the lack of regulatory support and guidance, as well as the lack of interoperability between different systems and schemes, represents significant friction in the SAF Book and Claim process.
The findings of this research study provide empirical evidence in response to the research question and deliver results that contribute to a mainly untapped research field, thereby establishing the groundwork for further avenues of research on the subject. Furthermore, this study provides a foundation for Book and Claim providers, business aviation operators, and policymakers to identify key areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance the effectiveness of Book and Claim adoption.
The existing literature reveals an unexplored research field and a clear research gap to be addressed with the present study. Constructed on the findings of a comprehensive cross-industry literature review, a mixed-methods design has been employed to address the research question. Consequently, a survey incorporating both closed-ended (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative) questions has been conducted among stakeholders in the business aviation sector on an international scale. The combined application of descriptive statistics and thematic analysis enabled the drawing of conclusions.
The study identified several factors across the dimensions of economics, technology, and regulation that might influence the decision-making process of business aviation stakeholders hindering the adoption of SAF through Book and Claim systems. The existence of a knowledge gap among business aviation stakeholders demonstrates the necessity for enhanced education and more targeted promotion in order to increase awareness about the concept of Book and Claim. Furthermore, the lack of subsidies associated with the uptake of SAF and the complexity of the processes involved in the integration and usage of Book and Claim solutions present additional challenges. Fears surrounding credibility, transparency, and potential greenwashing practices, among other concerns, contribute to a climate of skepticism, which in turn impedes the utilization of existing solutions. Ultimately, the lack of regulatory support and guidance, as well as the lack of interoperability between different systems and schemes, represents significant friction in the SAF Book and Claim process.
The findings of this research study provide empirical evidence in response to the research question and deliver results that contribute to a mainly untapped research field, thereby establishing the groundwork for further avenues of research on the subject. Furthermore, this study provides a foundation for Book and Claim providers, business aviation operators, and policymakers to identify key areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance the effectiveness of Book and Claim adoption.
Language
English (United States)
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Subject(s)
Division(s)