Assessment of CO2 emissions and cost-benefit analysis of medium-range commercial aircraft powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Within the wider context of climate change and global decarbonization goals, the aviation sector is a significant source of various greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Aircraft engines emit not only carbon dioxide (CO₂), the main responsible for global warming, but also nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter and water vapor. These emissions contribute not only to climate change but also to local air quality degradation, especially around airports. As the number of flights is expected to increase significantly by 2050, the need to reduce aviation’s polluting gas emissions becomes even more urgent. While Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) represent one of the most promising options, other complementary solutions are also under development. These include improvements in engine efficiency, the design of lighter and more aerodynamic aircraft, optimized flight operations, and emerging technologies such as hydrogen propulsion and electric aircraft. Among all the possibilities, this thesis presents a comprehensive analysis of the strategic potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuels for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the aviation sector, evaluating the life cycle environmental impacts and economic implications of SAF adoption, considering various production pathways and feedstock types. The analysis focuses on medium-range commercial routes and includes a comparative evaluation of SAF blends across five major international airports representing different operational and geographic conditions, highlighting how corporate strategies, feedstock availability, and production technologies influence emissions reductions and cost-effectiveness. The study shows that, as the blend of SAF in the fuel mix rises, emissions drop noticeably, but, sustainable fuels currently being more expensive than conventional jet fuel, this reduction comes with higher cost. This highlights both the critical role of SAF in meeting climate goals and the economic challenges that must be addressed to support its widespread adoption. The eventual purpose is to provide actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to optimize SAF integration in the medium-haul segment, balancing sustainability objectives with operational and financial feasibility.