United is the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use at Chicago O’Hare
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined the airline’s leadership to highlight the role that Illinois’ SAF tax credits played in bringing SAF to the airport.
SAF producer Neste will provide up to one million gallons of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to United for Chicago flights this year.
The first shipment arrives this month.
United was the first airline to create a goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050, without relying on voluntary carbon offsets.
The airline purchased more sustainable fuel than any U.S. airline in 2023 and the agreement with Neste makes O’Hare the fifth airport where United has purchased SAF for operational use.
“While the market for SAF is still in its infancy, there is a huge opportunity today for airlines and policymakers to work together to support its continued growth,” United President Brett Hart said.
United has now purchased SAF for airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, London and Amsterdam.
SAF purchased for United’s Chicago flights is paid for in part through the company’s Eco-Skies Alliance, where participating companies work together to share the “green premium,” or the cost associated with purchasing lower emission fuels..
These include Bank of America, First Eagle Investments, Salesforce, Meta, and Sidley Austin LLP.
