Sustainable fuel is crucial for decarbonizing the aviation industry and a key application of emerging technologies such as green hydrogen. This study examines the impact of policy frameworks on the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across OECD countries and key partner countries. In line with prior research on emerging industries, the results show that policy instruments are a key component in the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels. The influence of these policies on SAF adoption depends on environmental country-level factors, namely, economic status and environmental concern. Findings also indicate that fuel mandates are most effective, compared to other policy instruments, when aiming to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel. This study demonstrates the importance of public policy for SAF adoption and points to the need for more research on the conditional effects of policy as the industry matures.