Bibliometric analysis and literature review on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF): Economic and management perspective

Yuchao Xu, Yahua Zhang, Xin Deng, Seung-Yong Lee, Kun Wang and Linbo Li

Transport Policy, 2025, vol. 162, issue C, 296-312

Abstract: Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a key contributor to the aviation sector's efforts to achieve net-zero targets. This article presents a bibliometric analysis and literature review of 243 SAF-related publications from social science and quantitative disciplines, covering the period from 2014 to 2024. It highlights the latest research trends on the economic analysis of technological pathways, feedstocks, and policy interventions. Although SAF usage in commercial aviation is below 0.1% as of 2024, its decarbonisation potential could exceed 68%, particularly for medium- and long-haul flights. While biomass-based SAF faces constraints due to feedstock availability, the power-to-liquid pathway may offer a long-term solution. Five key themes have been identified in the literature: (1) sustainable certification of pathways and feedstocks, (2) economic simulations of alternative solutions, (3) economic feasibility of pathways and feedstocks, (4) supply chain dynamics and involvement of multiple stakeholders, and (5) policy interventions. Future studies could focus on economic simulations of airline competition under different SAF quotas, case studies on supply chain stakeholders, and the inclusion of grey literature for discussion. This research underscores the importance of international collaboration to create a level playing field for SAF adoption.

Keywords: Sustainable aviation fuel; SAF; Power-to-Liquid; Decarbonisation; Feedstock (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2024.11.014

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