Multi-objective optimization of airline fuel loading problem considering sustainable aviation fuel and book-and-claim

Abstract

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) contributes to 65% of all efforts from the airline industry to mitigate carbon emissions. Nonetheless, studies yet to consider SAF in fuel loading problems for environmental benefit. Additionally, book-and-claim is not considered in current optimization studies for airlines to have an option to virtually purchase SAF when it is not available or too expensive in a location to offset carbon emissions. An optimization model is developed for an airline fuel loading decision support system that considers SAF by optimizing cost and environmental impacts simultaneously, integrating the strategies and policies for implementing the use of SAF. A case study was used to test the model to understand its behaviour. Scenario analyses were conducted to highlight potential economic and environmental benefits from optimally managing SAF and book-and-claim. The developed model demonstrates a 17.16% decrease in environmental impact considering a maximum SAF blend of 10%, which highlights the potential of SAF to decarbonize the aviation industry. Mandates set by the government are helpful as airlines tend to result to fuel tankering when fuel costs are high. Book-and-claim is helpful when SAF is expensive in certain airports as airlines can virtually purchase SAF to save on costs.