The attitudes of UK tourists to the use of biofuels in civil aviation: An exploratory study

Tourism generates substantial carbon footprint with its air transport sector holding the largest share. Biofuel technology has been repeatedly trialled in aviation to minimise this carbon footprint. While biofuels can become mainstream aviation fuels in the near future, little is known about public knowledge on and perception of its use within the air transport sector. This signifies considerable knowledge gap as the level of public awareness of a new technology determines the speed of its societal acceptance and may affect its market success. This study explores the attitudes of UK tourists to the use of biofuels in aviation. It finds that while the public are generally aware of biofuel technology, public knowledge of its specific application in aviation alongside the carbon benefits this brings is limited. Future policy-making and managerial measures should aim at enhancing public understanding of biofuel technology use in aviation in the UK.