Sustainable aviation fuels: a patwhway to decarbonization in aviation – the case study of SWISS International Airlines

Despite contributing only 2.5% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions, aviation faces intense scrutiny due to its significant challenges in decarbonization. The industry's dependence on energy-dense fossil fuels and the current technological constraints of alternative energy sources make it particularly difficult to reduce its carbon footprint. As part of global efforts to meet international climate goals, such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), aviation has become the center of attention in the climate change mitigation effort. Industry stakeholders are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices that can reduce environmental impact. Among these solutions, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) have emerged as one of the most promising, offering the potential for substantial emission reductions without requiring major technological modifications to aircraft. This paper examines SWISS International Airline's initiatives to implement Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a component of its comprehensive sustainability strategy. With this case study, this research analyzes the integration of SAF into the airline's operations and assesses the challenges and opportunities encountered during the process. The methodology employs qualitative research techniques, combining primary data obtained from interviews with corporate responsibility executives with secondary data from corporate sustainability reports to provide an in-depth understanding of the adoption of SAF. Being a contemporary and under-researched phenomenon, qualitative and exploratory research was employed to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the complexities inherent in the adoption of SAF. While focusing primarily on SWISS, the research examines the broader implications of SAF implementation within the aviation sector. It investigates the tecno- economic, environmental, and regulatory factors that influence the viability and scalability of SAF, as well as the role of market-based mechanisms, such as emissions trading systems. The findings of this innovative study provide insights how SAF can contribute to mitigating the aviation industry's carbon footprint and enhance its sustainability, thus establishing a foundation for the future of sustainable aviation.