International Journal of Sustainable Aviation (7 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Hydrogen standards and aviation sustainability: a gap analysis of ISO, SAE and ASTM documentation  
  by Eva Maleviti, Evangelos Stamoulis, Elen Paraskevi Paraschi 
  Abstract: The aviation industry aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, but widespread adoption of hydrogen propulsion is limited by the lack of aviation-specific standards and certification processes. Although numerous hydrogen standards exist, their suitability for aviation safety, certification, and sustainability has not been fully assessed. This study systematically reviews 24 international hydrogen standards and regulations, evaluating their applicability across seven aviation lifecycle stages: fuel quality, storage, fuelling infrastructure, certification, aircraft operation, continuing airworthiness, and end-of-life management. Findings show that most standards focus on early stages, with around 70% coverage for fuel production and quality and 60% for fuelling infrastructure. A key gap is the absence of a dedicated qualification process for hydrogen aviation fuel. Most existing standards originate from road and industrial sectors and require adaptation for aviation. This research provides a comprehensive lifecycle mapping of hydrogen standards for aviation and identifies priority areas for future standardisation efforts.
  Keywords: hydrogen standards; decarbonisation; aviation; sustainability; ISO; SAE; ASTM; certification; GAP analysis; standardisation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2026.10077771
   
  
• Fuel efficiency challenges and technological advancements in the aviation industry  
  by Sohrab Tak, Umit Hacioglu, Melike Zehir, Umaal Ahmed Khan 
  Abstract: This systematic literature review identifies technological advancements and implementation challenges affecting fuel efficiency in commercial aviation. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 182 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025 from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and IEEE Xplore were analysed. Six primary fuel-efficiency technologies were identified: sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), aircraft design innovations, air traffic management optimisation, operational improvements, weight-reduction technologies, and fleet modernisation. SAFs demonstrate lifecycle emission reductions of 50-80%, though production costs remain 2-3 times higher than conventional jet fuel. Aircraft design innovations offer 20-50% efficiency gains but face certification delays. Operational optimisation delivers immediate savings of 5-10%. Five implementation challenge categories technical, infrastructure, economic, regulatory, and environmental create interdependent adoption barriers. This study provides comprehensive synthesis beyond isolated technology assessments, systematically categorising advancements and persistent challenges, offering structured evidence for airlines, manufacturers, and policymakers navigating sustainable aviation transitions.
  Keywords: fuel efficiency; commercial aviation; PRISMA; technologies; challenges; sustainable aviation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2026.10078033
   
  
• A review on the use of next-generation sustainable fuels in aviation  
  by Beyzanur Özkök, Ayşe Küçük Yilmaz 
  Abstract: The aviation sector is undergoing a significant transformation in terms of environmental sustainability due to its energy-intensive nature and high carbon emissions. At the heart of this transformation lies sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which aims to reduce environmental impacts and ensure long-term energy security as an alternative to fossil fuels. This study examines the current state of SAF usage in the industry, its potential advantages, and the challenges encountered. This study looks at how SAF is currently used in the industry, as well as its possible benefits and difficulties. The study used a mixed-method approach, gathering quantitative data from surveys given to a larger sample group and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with professionals in the aviation industry. Based on the data obtained, it was determined that although SAFs offer considerable environmental benefits, high production costs, infrastructure deficiencies, and regulatory uncertainties hinder their widespread adoption This study aims to contribute to the strategic planning efforts of sector stakeholders and provide data to guide policymakers during the transition to sustainable aviation.
  Keywords: biofuels; carbon emissions; climate change; decarbonisation; energy efficiency; environmental sustainability; fossil fuel alternatives; renewable energy; sustainability; sustainable aviation fuels; SAF.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2026.10077894
   
  
• Socio-economic stratification of urban air mobility based on income and transport demand: a case study of New York City  
  by Bárbara Adriany Freitas Junqueira, Anderson Ribeiro Correia, Evandro José da Silva, Mauro Caetano 
  Abstract: Understanding the main factors driving urban air mobility (UAM) demand is essential for better planning of operations for this emerging air transport mode in large cities. Using New York City as a case study, this research aims to analyse the geographic distribution of potential UAM passengers by income and demand for air taxi services through exploratory data analysis. The results show that during the initial phase of operations, airport shuttle services connecting high-income and high-demand areas, such as the route between Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport, can serve as a reference for experimental business cases in operational planning. The theoretical and practical implications of this study offer insights for the development of new air transport services and infrastructure in UAM.
  Keywords: advanced air mobility; air transport; infrastructure; urban planning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2026.10077311
   
  
• Green technologies in the airline industry: a review of adoption, maturity, and future directions  
  by Teeris Thepchalerm, Phutawan Ho Wongyai 
  Abstract: This review article examines the integration of green technologies in the airline industry, focusing on their categories, developmental status, and prospective trajectories. It delineates four primary domains: sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), aircraft design and propulsion, cabin and in-flight services, and digital technologies. Hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids - synthetic paraffinic kerosene (HEFA-SPK) and advanced turbofan engines have reached full maturity, whereas alcohol-to-jet-synthetic paraffinic kerosene (ATJ-SPK), the power-to-liquid synthetic paraffinic kerosene (PtL-SPK), hybrid-electric propulsion, and blended wing bodies remain in preliminary development phases. Numerous cabin and digital innovations are presently in broad implementation. Key future priorities include expanding the utilisation of SAFs and advancing hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Overcoming technical, economic, and regulatory challenges will require coordinated efforts to achieve substantial decarbonisation and sustainability.
  Keywords: green technologies; technology readiness levels; sustainable aviation fuels; SAFs; sustainable aviation; aviation decarbonisation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2026.10077802
   
  
• AI-based calibration of 8-beam LiDAR for fault detection in fixed-wing UAV flaps  
  by Velmurugan Srinivasan, J.V. Sai Prasanna Kumar 
  Abstract: Flap deflection monitoring plays a significant role in flight safety of the fixed-wing UAVs. The proposed research lies on a low-cost, lightweight framework with high-fidelity sensing capability of flap aerodynamics using LiDAR. Experimental validation of the system is carried out in a controlled environment in a laboratory where the LiDAR monitors the motion of the flaps by means of a variation in a known flat. It is small, has a wide horizontal FOV which makes it suited to on-board and real-time monitoring. A Python calibration algorithm takes care of the offset bias, sensor tilt, noise, based on distance normalisation, symmetry, outlier removal and smoothing. A post-calibration of the LiDAR data leads to a smoothing and a symmetrical data, which enables a separation of the flap deflection and noise on the sensors. The method will make the UAV safer by recognising faults that can be detected using lightweight and non-redundant sensors.
  Keywords: unmanned aerial vehicle; UAV; LiDAR; flap detection; calibration; fault tolerance; sensor alignment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2026.10076972
   
  
• Enhanced mechanical performance of additively manufactured PLA/TPU blend compatibilised with chain extender: a green material for sustainable aviation  
  by Yusuf Kahraman, Melih Beşir Arvas, Ömer Yunus Gümüş, Refik Arat, İlyas İnce, Özlem Yağci, Erhan Savaş 
  Abstract: The aviation industry is actively pursuing the '2050 net zero goal' to mitigate petroleum-based fuel consumption and carbon emissions. A promising approach to achieving this target involves the use of sustainable aviation fuels, usage of bio-based materials and the adoption of lightweight components. This study explores the application of additive manufacturing (AM) to produce lightweight polylactide based parts for aircraft cabin interiors, which allows the creation of complex geometries in a cost-effective manner. Although flammability regulations present challenges for polylactide based components, small parts may qualify for exemption. We developed PLA/TPU blends, compatibilised with Joncryl 4468, using a twin-screw extruder and then produced filaments for 3D printing of small components in commercial airplanes. Mechanical and thermal properties of the additively manufactured blend samples were characterised in order to find an optimal formulation. An ecological and economic assessment demonstrated that this blend appears as a highly cost-effective and sustainable alternative.
  Keywords: PLA; TPU; blend; aviation; cabin interior; additive manufacturing; AM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2026.10076850