Kutadgu Manas Balkaç

Kutadgu Manas Balkaç is a Bachelor's student in Business Administration at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) in Switzerland. With a strong academic interest in sustainability, aviation, and consumer behaviour, he is currently conducting research for his thesis on the willingness to pay for sustainable aviation fuels among low-cost carrier passengers. 

To examine this topic, Kutadgu Manas designes an online survey with the help of Sawtooth’s programmes combining a simulated flight booking scenario with follow-up questions on travel behaviour, environmental attitudes, and socio-demographics. This allows him to compare stated and actualised willingness to pay using regression-based methods. The research aims to generate practical insights into how airlines can promote greener travel choices, even among price-sensitive passengers. The thesis is conducted in collaboration with the Center for Aviation Competence (CFAC-HSG) and contributes to ongoing discussions on cost internalisation and behavioural change in sustainable aviation.