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A Fuzzy MCDM Approach for the Evaluation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Alternatives Under Uncertainty

Author

Listed:
  • Melek Işık

    (Department of Industry Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Çukurova University, Adana 01330, Türkiye)

  • Fatma Şeyma Yüksel

    (Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Adıyaman University, Adıyaman 02040, Türkiye)

  • Olcay Kalan

    (Department of Industry Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Çukurova University, Adana 01330, Türkiye)

Abstract

The increasing carbon footprint of civil aviation has made the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) a strategic necessity in line with the sector’s sustainability goals. This study evaluates the existing SAF types based on environmental, economic, technical and social criteria, determines the criteria weights with Fuzzy-Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (F-SWARA) and selects the most suitable alternative through Spherical Fuzzy-Multi Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis plus full MULTIplicative form (SF-MULTIMOORA) method. The alternative evaluation process was carried out on a Python-based online platform and sensitivity analysis was performed on five different scenarios. According to the findings, the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA-SPK) alternative stands out as the most suitable option in all scenarios, followed by the Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (FT-SPK) alternative. In contrast, Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ-SPK) and Power-to-Liquid (PtL) options seem to be more variable and less stable. The study provides methodological contributions for the evaluation of SAF alternatives with fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods and provides strategic implications for manufacturers and airlines in achieving the low-carbon targets of the aviation sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Melek Işık & Fatma Şeyma Yüksel & Olcay Kalan, 2025. "A Fuzzy MCDM Approach for the Evaluation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Alternatives Under Uncertainty," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-28, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8684-:d:1759300
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Filiz Mizrak & Levent Polat & Sezin Acik Tasar, 2024. "Applying Entropy Weighting and 2-Tuple Linguistic T-Spherical Fuzzy MCDM: A Case Study of Developing a Strategic Sustainability Plan for Istanbul Airport," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-28, December.
    2. Ecer, Fatih & Tanrıverdi, Gökhan & Yaşar, Mehmet & Görçün, Ömer Faruk, 2025. "Sustainable aviation fuel supplier evaluation for airlines through LOPCOW and MARCOS approaches with interval-valued fuzzy neutrosophic information," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 123(C).
    3. Eduardo Cabrera & João M. Melo de Sousa, 2022. "Use of Sustainable Fuels in Aviation—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-23, March.
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