Public Perception and Awareness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in South Central United States

Abstract

The aviation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and with the increasing demand for air travel these emissions are projected to continue rising in the coming years. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could greatly help reduce these emissions and make the aviation industry more eco-friendly. SAF is a renewable, low-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel produced from sustainable resources. A key step to bringing the fuel into regular use is studying how people view it. Understanding what the public think and feel about biofuels, including aviation fuel, is very important. This is because public opinion can shape consumer interest, demand for products, and the willingness of governments to back green energy policies and invest in clean technologies. The study systematically evaluates the public opinion, perception and awareness of SAF in the South Central United States and its utilization to decarbonize the aviation industry. This is performed through a series of multiple-choice survey questions and interviews. The study results show that while there is some recognition of the environmental impact of aviation and the potential role of biofuels in reducing this impact, there is still a need for greater public education and awareness regarding alternative fuels and their benefits for sustainable aviation. The findings of the study underscore a pivotal challenge in addressing aviation-related carbon emissions: the gap in public knowledge about potential solutions like biofuels and SAF. This gap not only reflects a lack of awareness but also hints at the possible skepticism or uncertainty among the public regarding the effectiveness and viability of these alternatives.

1. Introduction

The aviation industry allows for efficient transportation, global networks, and economic prosperity. In the United States alone, the scale of operations is approximately 16 million flights taking off and landing each year [1]. These flights represent a complex network of connections, linking cities and towns across the country and beyond. However, these flights produce large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂). In fact, the average CO₂ emissions per passenger-kilometer (pa-km) are observed to be in the range of 78 g to 101 g of CO₂ per flight [1,2].

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize the aviation sector [3]. There are several feedstocks for the production of SAF including algae [4], forest residue [5], agricultural waste [6], plastic waste [7], energy crops [8], and food waste [9]. SAF is critical for the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry and enhances energy security. It represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future, reducing the carbon footprint of air travel while maintaining its efficiency and connectivity.

Knowledge of the public perception and acceptance of SAF is crucial because it directly influences consumer acceptance, market demand, and the will to support sustainable energy policies and investments in renewable energy technologies.

Public perception studies provide a data-driven approach to understanding how individuals and communities perceive SAF. This information is invaluable for making informed decisions, building trust, and fostering positive relationships within the community. It helps gauge whether the product will be accepted by consumers and used with peace of mind, thereby contributing to the overall sustainability of the aviation industry.

Several researchers have documented results from the public perception and acceptance of biofuels such as first- and second-generation biofuels as well as climate change challenges. For instance, in China, there have been a few surveys performed to gather data on public perception of climate issues [10]. The surveys that have been published are either outdated or had disproportionate diversity in the participants, such as a survey performed in Beijing in which 80% of their respondents were of college age [10]. An extensive survey across six cities in China showed that people are aware of environmental issues as well as support future efforts, yet often confuse local weather patterns and pollution for climate change [10]. This shows that there is a lack of information available to the public regarding climate change and its causes. The study shows that the Chinese people are less skeptical of climate change, which may be attributed to different political climates and little conflicting media coverage as opposed to what can be seen in other countries. The key concept that can be taken from this survey is that even though the public is not fully aware or educated on the carbon emission issues and the possible mitigation efforts, they still show support. In a focus group, Scottish residents shared their views on carbon capture and its potential drawbacks [11]. The majority viewed carbon capture as a “very good idea”, but many expressed a preference for increased use of renewables. Scotland’s example illustrates that citizens who benefit from reduced carbon emissions are likely to support further decarbonization efforts.

As seen in Ref. [12], while some studies have addressed public awareness and perception of decarbonization and climate issues in general [13,14], there appears to be a lack of research specifically focused on public perception and awareness of SAF, especially in the United States. To address the knowledge gaps, a systematic evaluation of the public opinion, perception, and awareness of SAF in the United States and its utilization to decarbonize the aviation industry is presented in this study.

2. Literature Review and Study Motivation

It is becoming increasingly important to develop technologies or pathways that could help reduce the emissions from the aviation sector. To accelerate this emission reduction, emphasis has been placed on technological advancement of SAF production or emission performance of SAF when blended with other fuels [15], while there has been less interest in how the public perceive the implementation of SAF. When it comes to public support for new technologies, stakeholders’ knowledge, perceptions, attitude, and social trust are very important to drive the advancement of the technology.

Several authors have studied public knowledge and perception towards different transportation fuels. Sivashankar et al. [16] explore the willingness of diesel vehicle owners to pay the additional price for biodiesel consumption and what factors drive their decision. The results reveal that elderly respondents with higher education are less likely to pay for biodiesel while married respondents with higher income are more likely to pay higher prices for biodiesel. Yaghoubi et al. [17] explored the attitudes and willingness of agricultural professionals in Iran towards biofuel. Their findings showed that factors such as outcome efficacy, problem perception, and perceived benefits significantly influenced their personal norms, which in turn predicted their willingness to support and promote biofuel use. Tepylo et al. [14] presented a comprehensive study on how the public in Europe and North America, including the United States, perceive advanced aviation technologies. They also examined the factors that may influence individuals’ perception of the technologies. Shahriar and Khanal [13] discussed the policy and market uncertainty of SAF in several countries, including the United States. Benedict and Hussein [12] examined how the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation uses the WEPIA campaign’s messaging to influence public water usage habits and align citizens’ water behavior with state security objectives. Some researchers studied the role of public opinion on biofuel use in the aviation sector in Poland [3]. Their findings reveal that public understanding of the perspectives of aviation biofuel technology, including its safety, is limited. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, few studies have attempted to understand public perception and attitude towards SAF implementation within the United States context, especially in the South Central region. Therein lies the motivation for the present study. We aim to address the knowledge gaps through a systematic evaluation of the public opinion, perception, and awareness of SAF.

3. Methodology

To gain a precise understanding of American public perceptions, it is essential to pose a series of questions that can be broadly categorized into the following four constructs: attitude-based, market-based, risk-based, and perceived benefits inquiries. Attitude-based questions delve into consumers’ agreement or disagreement based on personal perceptions. Market-based questions focus on financial aspects, investigating deeper into economic considerations. Perceived concerns questions address safety- and energy-related concerns. Lastly, questions related to perceived benefits center on environmental considerations, and overall benefits to the user. These diverse questions allow for the most accurate understanding of the public’s perception. It should be mentioned that these questions were distributed through a representative survey and selective interviews. The schematic flow diagram used for the survey design is presented in Figure 1. It should be mentioned that the questionnaire was adapted from literature studies that had undergone testing for reliability and validity; in addition, we reviewed the questions to ensure relevance to our specific context and conducted a pilot test with a small group to confirm clarity and consistency, thereby supporting the reliability and validity of the instrument in measuring public perception and awareness of SAF. To mitigate potential biases, the survey was carefully designed using neutral, non-leading language, and questions were adapted from validated instruments used in prior peer-reviewed studies. Additionally, the survey was distributed across diverse platforms and demographics to promote broad representation and minimize sampling bias.

Getting survey respondents to participate in a survey with no reward requires the survey to be easily accessible and relatively short. These factors were considered during the development of the survey without compromising the study’s integrity. The survey was distributed using a flyer, Facebook, and LinkedIn posts. The survey had 16 questions, and the questions were created to ensure that there was no correct answer. The survey had 127 respondents, and their educational level is represented in Figure 2.

The demographic distribution of the survey respondents, as indicated by their educational levels, showcases a broad spectrum of perspectives on the acceptance of SAF. With approximately 52.1% holding a bachelor’s degree and 4.2% boasting a doctorate, the survey taps into a highly educated cohort, likely to be informed and possibly more receptive to sustainable innovations. Conversely, the inclusion of high school students, constituting about 30.2% of the participants, introduces views from younger individuals who are at a formative stage of their educational journey and might prioritize environmental concerns differently. This heterogeneity in educational backgrounds is strategic, ensuring that the survey captures a wide range of opinions and insights. Such diversity is critical for comprehensively understanding public acceptance as it reflects the broader societal perception that encompasses varying levels of awareness, environmental literacy, and potential biases towards SAF. This approach enhances the survey’s relevance and applicability in informing policy, educational programs, and marketing strategies aimed at promoting SAFs across diverse demographic segments.

To participate in the survey, respondents were required to be at least 18 years of age. This criterion was established based on the nature and objectives of the study. The aim was to target individuals from a market perspective. Therefore, we set the minimum age requirement equivalent to the age needed to purchase a plane ticket. The respondents’ ages varied randomly across three generations of Americans. These age groups were chosen specifically to understand the role of age in the acceptance of SAF. All respondents possessed at least a high school education or higher, which may not entirely reflect the demographic makeup of the broader American population, given that approximately 9.6% of Americans do not hold a high school diploma [11].

In addition to the survey, six people from varying age groups were interviewed to help draw conclusions. They were asked questions about their environmental concerns, whether the use of SAF would influence their choice of an airline, and to elaborate on their criteria for selecting an airline. It should be mentioned that the respondents are from the South Central states of America, including Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. These regions are the study locations, and the survey was actively distributed within these regions. The geographical locations of these regions can be found in Figure S1 of the Supplementary Information.

4. Results

4.1. Awareness Results

The respondents were asked if they believed that airplanes are among the significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The result is presented in Figure 3. Additionally,

Table 1. Analysis of the SAF and biofuel awareness questions presented to the respondents and the statistical results.

Questions	Field	Minimum	Maximum	Mean	Std Deviation	Variance	Count
Do you believe airplanes are among the significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions?	Awareness	1	2	1.34	0.48	0.23	119
Do you think biofuels offset greenhouse gas emissions?	Public acceptance	1	2	1.51	0.5	0.25	118
On a scale of 1–5, how much do you know about biofuels	Biofuel knowledge	1	5	2.46	0.86	0.75	92
On a scale from 1–5, how interested are you in learning more about sustainable aviation fuel?	Learning more	2	5	3.45	0.96	0.91	102
On a scale from 1–5, how familiar are you with sustainable aviation fuel	Familiarity	1	5	2.25	0.88	0.78	75

outlines different questions asked and the statistical analysis of responses received. The study revealed that a significant portion of respondents recognize the substantial carbon emissions produced by aviation transportation, with 65% of respondents considering air travel to be a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (Figure 3).

Conversely, opinions were evenly divided regarding the potential of biofuels to mitigate these emissions, with a 50-50 split among participants. This division in opinion might be linked to the respondents’ self-reported understanding of biofuels. When asked to rate their knowledge on a scale from 1 to 5, the average score was 2.46, indicating a moderate level of awareness. Nonetheless, the average being nearer to the lower end of the scale suggests that the general knowledge about biofuels might be somewhat limited. Furthermore, when participants were queried about their familiarity with SAF, the average score dipped further to 2.25, highlighting an even lower level of awareness. This suggests that while there is some recognition of the environmental impact of aviation and the potential role of biofuels in reducing this impact, there is still a need for greater public education and awareness regarding alternative fuels and their benefits for sustainable aviation.

The findings of the study underscore a pivotal challenge in addressing aviation-related carbon emissions: the gap in public knowledge about potential solutions like biofuels and SAFs. This gap not only reflects a lack of awareness but also hints at the possible skepticism or uncertainty among the public regarding the effectiveness and viability of these alternatives. Despite the recognized impact of aviation on climate change, the mixed opinions on biofuels suggest a need for more comprehensive education and communication strategies. By enhancing public understanding of how biofuels and SAFs can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of air travel, there could be a shift towards more widespread acceptance and support for these technologies. Moreover, increasing public knowledge could also drive consumer demand for more sustainable aviation options, encouraging airlines and policymakers to accelerate the adoption of greener fuels. Thus, bridging the knowledge gap could play a crucial role in fostering a more environmentally sustainable future for aviation.

4.2. Perceived Concerns and Benefits

The respondents were also used to describe their overall community view on the use of biofuels. The responses were illustrated through bar plots, as seen in Figure 4a,b. According to the data depicted in Figure 4a, 38.1% of the participants displayed neutrality towards biofuel adoption, contingent on its accessibility and affordability. Furthermore, 31.4% of respondents held a favorable view of biofuels, recognizing their capacity to diminish dependency on petroleum products and aid in the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, 25.4% of individuals expressed doubts about the efficacy of biofuels in addressing environmental issues. A smaller fraction, 5%, harbored negative opinions, highlighting concerns over potential increases in land use competition, the contentious fuel versus food debate, and issues related to biofuel efficiency.

Regarding the introduction of SAF, a substantial 76% of respondents admitted to a lack of adequate information to form an opinion on safety concerns (Figure 4b). Conversely, 14% reported no safety apprehensions, trusting in the stringent regulatory environment of the United States to ensure the safe implementation of SAF. Nevertheless, 10% expressed safety concerns, specifically regarding the efficiency of SAF implementation. This diversity of views underscores the complexity of public perception towards biofuels and SAF. It suggests that there is a significant need for targeted educational initiatives to build a more informed understanding of these fuels’ environmental impacts, benefits, and safety profiles. Enhancing public knowledge could be pivotal in garnering broader support for the transition towards more sustainable fuel options in aviation and beyond.

These results highlight a nuanced landscape of public opinion on biofuels and SAF, reflecting a spectrum of acceptance, neutrality, and skepticism. The neutrality and openness towards biofuels, contingent on their availability and affordability, suggest that practical considerations significantly influence public sentiment. Meanwhile, the positive outlook held by a substantial minority underscores an awareness of the environmental benefits associated with reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels in the USA. However, the skepticism and negative perceptions regarding biofuels’ effectiveness and potential negative impacts, such as the fuel versus food dilemma and land use competition, indicate underlying concerns that could hinder broader acceptance and adoption. The lack of sufficient information about the safety of SAF among the majority of respondents further emphasizes the critical role of information dissemination and education in shaping public opinion. Addressing these informational gaps and concerns through transparent, accessible, and comprehensive educational efforts could foster a more informed and supportive public stance on the adoption of biofuels and SAF, which are crucial for achieving environmental sustainability in aviation and other sectors. To better understand how individual survey questions relate to each other, a Pearson correlation heatmap was generated. This visual tool helps identify potential patterns or shared relationships among variables by representing their pairwise linear associations. In the context of public acceptance of SAFs, it is important to evaluate whether attitudes towards greenhouse gas emissions, knowledge about biofuels, and a willingness to learn or use SAFs are interrelated. A high correlation among these indicators might suggest that they collectively contribute to a broader construct like “public support”, whereas weak correlations would imply that these dimensions are independent and must be addressed separately in public outreach and policy design. Figure 5 shows the correlation matrix between different variables used to assess the public perception of SAF.

The Pearson correlation heatmap reveals a generally low to moderate relationship among the variables. While a few pairs, such as Interest and Knowledge, or Familiarity and Knowledge, show some correlation, most values hover near zero or weakly positive. This pattern suggests that the questions, although all related to SAF, are perceived differently by respondents, indicating a lack of strong convergence around a shared underlying concept like “general support or acceptance of SAF”.

In addition to the correlation matrix, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient test was also performed. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient is a statistical measure used to evaluate the internal consistency or reliability of a set of survey items intended to measure the same underlying construct. In the context of public perception of SAF, Cronbach’s alpha helps determine whether different survey questions, such as those assessing awareness of aviation-related emissions, knowledge of biofuels, support for federal funding, and interest in SAF, are closely related and can be treated as components of a unified concept like “public acceptance”. A high alpha value would indicate that respondents tend to answer these questions in a consistent manner, suggesting a shared understanding or attitude towards SAF. Conversely, a low alpha value, as observed in this analysis, implies that these aspects of perception are distinct and should be addressed individually in efforts to assess or influence public opinion.

Table 2. Summary results from the Cronbach Alpha coefficient test.

Item	Variance
Awareness	0.2685
Public Acceptance	0.1939
Knowledge	0.8155
Interest	0.8279
Familiarity	0.6274
Total Scale Variance	3.4119
Cronbach’s Alpha	0.2487

shows results from the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient test. The Cronbach’s alpha result of 0.25 is low and it implies that the questions do not reliably measure a single construct, such as “public acceptance of SAF”. The relatively high variance in items like Knowledge and Interest also indicates diverse respondent understanding and opinions. Together, these results recommend treating the questions as distinct indicators of separate dimensions, such as awareness, interest, and familiarity, rather than as items within a unified scale.

4.3. Market-Based Analysis

This study also aims to gauge individual perceptions regarding the impact of SAF on air travel costs. To this end, participants were asked whether they believed the adoption of SAF would lead to lower air travel prices, with the findings depicted in Figure 6. A total of 42% of respondents did not believe that the introduction of SAF would decrease flight costs. In contrast, 11% were optimistic that SAF could lead to cheaper air travel, while a significant 47% admitted to not having enough information to form an opinion. However, it is noteworthy that 81% of the participants support increased government investment in the research and development of SAF. Another part of the study sought to assess the travel frequency of the respondents over a year, aiming to gauge their vested interest in the matter (

Table 3. Analysis of the respondents’ travel frequency per year.

Frequency of Travel per Year	Percentage of Respondents
Zero	5.08%
1–19 trips	73.73%
20–49 trips	10.17%
50–79 trips	3.39%
80–109 trips	0.85%
110–139 trips	1.69%
Above 140 trips	5.08%

). According to the results, a large majority of 73.73% travel between 1 and 19 times annually, classifying them as occasional travelers. A smaller group, 10.17%, travels more frequently, with 20 to 49 trips per year. Those taking 50 to 79 and 80 to 109 trips are even less common, representing just 3.39% and 0.85%, respectively. Interestingly, 1.69% of respondents travel between 110 and 139 times a year, and both the groups that do not travel at all and those traveling more than 140 times annually constitute 5.08% each. This indicates that while most participants are not frequent flyers, there is a notable diversity in travel habits among those surveyed.

The varied responses to the adoption of SAF and its perceived impact on air travel prices reflect a broader uncertainty and lack of information among the public. The fact that a significant portion of respondents, 47%, reported not having enough information to decide on SAF’s economic implications suggests a gap in public knowledge and communication about the benefits and costs associated with SAFs. Despite this uncertainty, the overwhelming support for increased government funding towards SAF research and development indicates a general positivity towards sustainable initiatives and a recognition of their importance for future air travel sustainability. The travel frequency data further enriches the context of these opinions, showing that while most respondents are occasional travelers, there is a wide range of travel behaviors. This diversity implies that the impact and acceptance of SAF and its influence on ticket prices might be perceived differently across various segments of the population, highlighting the need for targeted educational and informational campaigns to address misconceptions and inform the public about the long-term benefits of SAF.

4.4. Public Acceptance-Based Results

When respondents were asked to rate the public acceptance of SAF in America on a scale of 1 to 5, the mean score was 2.9 (

Table 4. Analysis of the public acceptance and support questions presented to the respondents and the statistical results.

Questions	Field	Minimum	Maximum	Mean	Std Deviation	Variance	Count
On a scale of 1–5, what do you think the public acceptance of sustainable aviation fuel in America is?	Public acceptance	1	4	2.9	0.8	0.64	115
Do you support an increase in federal funding for research and production of sustainable aviation fuel?	Federal funding	1	2	1.19	0.39	0.15	118
Would the use of sustainable fuels make you more inclined to choose an airline?	Public usage	1	2	1.64	0.48	0.23	118

). The mean score of 2.9 suggests that there is a moderate level of acceptance of SAF among the respondents. However, the standard deviation of 0.8 indicates some variability in responses, suggesting that opinions on this matter may vary among the participants. The majority of respondents seem to lean towards acceptance, but there is a notable range of perspectives within the dataset. The respondents were asked about their level of concern for environmental issues, and the results are presented in Figure 7. The results indicate a concern regarding the current state of the environment among respondents. This heightened awareness could be attributed, in part, to media coverage and ongoing discussions surrounding environmental issues. The media’s role in disseminating information and fostering public discourse likely contributes to the increased awareness and concern expressed by individuals regarding environmental matters. However, when asked whether the use of SAF would make them more inclined to choose an airline, 64% of respondents said no.

5. Discussion and Literature Comparison

The first step in promoting SAF is to understand the base-level knowledge of consumers about the product. This is crucial to determine the general public’s education on SAF and to identify gaps in their understanding. A study conducted by Ahmad et al. [18] found that 74% of participants agreed that the aviation industry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, 55% recognized that SAF is currently in use as a drop-in fuel. However, approximately 60% of the participants lacked sufficient information on SAF to comment on its benefits and drawbacks. This highlights a need for education on sustainable fuels, given the significant role of flights in GHG emissions.

In another study [19], some researchers conducted a study exploring the awareness of pilots in Switzerland regarding sustainable aviation. The pilots agreed that sustainability is a crucial issue in the aviation industry, yet it is not covered in theoretical flight training. They also acknowledged the potential of SAF to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In contrast, a study conducted in Poland [3] revealed a surprising lack of awareness. Only 39.9% of respondents considered international travel a major source of pollution. Yet, 89.9% recognized the potential of biofuels to mitigate pollution. However, only 18.1% of participants claimed familiarity with the use of biofuels in air travel, indicating limited knowledge about potential solutions like biofuels. Additionally, while the public in the UK has a general understanding of biofuel technology, their knowledge about its specific application in aviation and the associated carbon benefits is limited [20]. Filimonau et al. [20] further emphasized the need for comprehensive education on SAF and its benefits.

A public perception survey conducted in the UK [21] began with risk-based questions. The results revealed that most people have mild concerns about safety and the use of agricultural land for feedstock. Based on the market-based questions, most respondents indicated they would not be willing to pay more for flights using SAF. However, there is overall support for using SAF, with 47% of the subjects reporting that they would choose an airline if it used sustainable fuel and 43.3% stating they were indifferent.

Some researchers [22] focused on determining consumer willingness to pay SAF in the United States by asking market-based questions. The findings reveal that participants exhibited a willingness to pay up to 13% more for biofuels, reflecting a positive attitude towards sustainable alternatives. Notably, consumers perceived biofuels as a more sustainable option. Political affiliation in America was also found to alter the people’s perception of biofuels [23]. Democrats showed more support for biofuels than Republicans. However, the level of support varied depending on the perceived risks and benefits of biofuels. Democrats were more likely to support funding for biofuel research when considering the economic risks or social/ethical benefits of biofuels. When considering the social/ethical benefits, more Democrats supported the production and use of biofuels. However, when considering the political risks of biofuels, Democrats were less supportive of their production and use. However, market-based questions in Poland underscore the significant challenge of market creation [24]. The review highlights that the current consumer base in air travel exhibits a limited willingness to pay for more expensive yet more sustainable flight technologies.

The following studies, while focused on biofuels in general, provide a nuanced understanding of how individuals across various countries and circumstances view these renewable energy sources given the severe lack of SAF-based studies. The insights gained from these studies are crucial as they contribute significantly to the broader discussion on transitioning towards sustainable energy in the aviation sector.

A study conducted in Finland specifically delves into biofuels, shedding light on the overall perception of this energy source [25]. Sixty percent of respondents agreed that fuels derived from biomass should be considered renewable. Furthermore, an equal percentage expressed a desire for government intervention to reduce biofuel prices for consumers.

The study by Villarreal et al. [26], performed across Europe, involved higher education participants, with 62% of respondents holding a PhD and only 6% of the respondents not having a college degree. The results were positive overall. Seventy-one percent of respondents agreed that using algae-based biofuels was a promising idea to mitigate GHG emissions. Additionally, the group stated that algae-based biofuels will have a medium to high acceptance in the EU, with only 39% of respondents disagreeing with its acceptance.

Colmenares-Quintero et al. [27] conducted a study with the demographics of 75% of respondents in the academic sector and the rest being producers of oil palm, sugarcane, and biodiesel. The stakeholders in this study reported that Colombia had an excellent advantage in biofuels due to the large amount of agricultural waste from sugarcane farms and palm oil. Additionally, the stakeholders see no issue in turning sugarcane and palm oil directly into biofuels. Finally, the group agrees that government support for biofuels is essential due to the large costs that go into the production of these fuels.

A study in Vietnam revealed a positive correlation between higher education levels and awareness [28]. All groups were motivated by the perceived environmental benefits of biofuel. However, when it came to purchasing willingness, a distinct difference was observed in the perception of suitable biofuel pricing policies between the public and the experts. The public favored higher prices, while the experts advocated for lower prices.

Across Europe, a study involving higher education participants revealed positive perceptions of algae-based biofuels, with 71% agreeing that they were a promising idea to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions [26]. Conversely, studies in Indonesia and Italy highlighted diverse responses, with willingness to pay more for biofuels in Indonesia and reluctance in Italy [29].

These studies collectively showcase the diverse attitudes and perceptions surrounding biofuels in different parts of the world. The willingness of certain populations to embrace biofuels, coupled with nuanced considerations of economic factors and governmental support, showcases the complexity of public perception. As the aviation industry seeks to integrate biofuels into its operations, these findings emphasize the need for targeted communication, education, and supportive policies.

Compared to respondents from the rest of the world, the results of this survey indicate a lower awareness of sustainable aviation fuel among participants. However, similar percentages were observed regarding the identification of airplanes as a source of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of biofuels to offset these emissions. Respondents expressed concerns about environmental issues, attributing them to media attention on greenhouse gas emissions and the perception that global warming is not being taken as seriously as it should be. Additionally, concerns were raised about the lack of public transportation and pollution.

Additionally, the willingness of stakeholders in Colombia to utilize agricultural waste for biofuel production highlights the importance of utilizing available resources effectively, which could be applied to the development and production of SAF.

Conversely, the discrepancy in perceptions of suitable biofuel pricing policies between the public and experts in Vietnam suggests the importance of considering public opinion and understanding consumer preferences when implementing policies related to SAF.

The alternative of using SAF is not receiving adequate attention, as evidenced by the frequent response of “I do not have enough information” from respondents. However, there is a relatively high level of interest among participants in learning more about SAF, suggesting a need for increased education and awareness regarding solutions to environmental issues [30]. The positive perception of biofuels in various regions, such as Finland, Europe, Colombia, and Vietnam, underscores a growing interest in renewable energy sources. This interest aligns with the relatively high level of interest observed among respondents in learning more about SAF, as indicated by the mean score of 3.45.

In response to the question about whether the use of sustainable fuels would make respondents more inclined to choose an airline, 64% responded negatively. The majority expressed concerns about the potential increase in airline prices. Addressing this concern could involve government-provided tax reductions or other options for airlines to lower prices, highlighting the importance of policy interventions to promote sustainable practices in the aviation industry.

6. Conclusions and Study Limitations

In summary, the public perception of SAFs and biofuels varies widely across different countries and demographics, revealing a nuanced landscape that demands custom strategies. While the potential environmental benefits of SAF are evident, there is an explicated need for more in-depth studies specifically addressing public attitudes towards SAF. Existing research highlights consistent themes, such as a universal desire for reduced SAF prices and a widespread lack of understanding about biofuels in aviation. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted educational initiatives and clear communication to integrate SAF into flights.

The diverse responses across regions emphasize the necessity of localized strategies, considering factors like cultural nuances, economic considerations, and government policies. The willingness of consumers in certain regions to pay more for biofuels suggests potential market-driven solutions, while challenges in market creation in other areas highlight the need to address economic factors. Insights from biofuel studies in various countries contribute to understanding public attitudes towards renewable energy sources, reinforcing the importance of custom approaches. Achieving effective implications of SAF requires a multidimensional strategy that combines technological advancements, education, and policy interventions.

As the aviation industry moves towards a future that is more environmentally friendly and socially acceptable, continuous research and collaboration are crucial. By combining technological advancements with societal norms, a future can be envisioned where air travel is not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable.

Despite the results outlined herein, there are several limitations. Given the exploratory nature of the current study and its primary objective of establishing a baseline understanding of public perception and awareness of SAF, the focus was more on descriptive statistical analyses such as percentages, mean scores, and variances. These methods were appropriate for identifying general trends and summarizing the data from our initial sample. However, the value of incorporating more advanced statistical techniques to uncover deeper relationships between variables cannot be ignored. As part of our future work, the study will explore additional regions within the United States and increase the sample size to ensure broader representation. This expanded dataset will enable the application of more robust statistical methodologies, including correlation analysis, regression analysis, and potentially structural equation modeling, to better examine the underlying factors that influence public perception and awareness of SAF. These enhancements will provide more comprehensive insights and strengthen the overall rigor of the research.

Additionally, this study was restricted to a particular region within the United States—specifically the South Central region, including Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. This focus was intentional in the initial phase of the research as these states represent key hubs for energy production and transportation infrastructure, making them particularly relevant for the early exploration of public perception towards SAF. However, regional variations in environmental policies, socio-economic factors, and cultural attitudes can significantly influence public opinion. To enhance the generalizability of the findings, future phases of the study will expand to include a more geographically diverse sample across multiple U.S. regions. This broader representation will enable comparative analyses and a deeper understanding of how public awareness and acceptance of SAF vary nationwide. Ultimately, the goal is to build a comprehensive, data-driven understanding that informs targeted outreach and policy strategies tailored to diverse communities across the country.

It should be noted that the sample composition, which includes a high proportion of respondents with advanced degrees, reflects the distribution of participants reached through the initial channels of survey dissemination, primarily academic and professional networks. While this provided valuable insights into a knowledgeable demographic, it is acknowledged that the current sample may not fully represent the general public, particularly individuals from lower-education backgrounds who may hold different perspectives on SAF. Future phases of the study will prioritize broader outreach strategies to ensure greater demographic diversity, including targeted efforts to engage underrepresented educational and socio-economic groups. This will help capture a more comprehensive range of public attitudes towards SAF and improve the overall inclusivity and applicability of the findings. Understanding how increased knowledge of SAF influences consumer decision-making, such as airline choices or willingness to pay for low-emission alternatives, is crucial for assessing the practical impact of awareness. Future phases of the study will include questions aimed at capturing behavioral intentions and preferences, enabling a more comprehensive analysis of the relationship between awareness and action. This addition will strengthen the practical relevance of the findings and support more effective strategies for promoting sustainable air travel.