United is using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on departing flights from San Francisco International Airport.
It and is planning to use a SAF blend later this year at London Heathrow Airport, which could put the airline on track to use approximately 10 million gallons in 2023,
This is nearly three times more than 2022 and close to 10 times more than 2019.
“It’s remarkable to see that in just a few years United has exponentially increased its sustainable aviation fuel use,” said United Chief Sustainability Officer, Lauren Riley.
To date, United has invested in the future production of over five billion gallons of SAF which it says is more than any other airline.
United has used SAF blends at LAX since 2016 and Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam since 2022 .
The SAF deliveries began at San Francisco Airport in April, with United receiving 1.5 million gallons for departing flights.
London Heathrow Airport is expected to begin receiving deliveries of SAF later in 2023.
Once the SAF is delivered to Heathrow, it will mark the first time United participates in London Heathrow’s SAF incentive program.
The SAF used on United’s flights will be paid for in part through the company’s Eco-Skies Alliance.
This is a program for companies to work together to share the ‘green premium’ cost associated with purchasing lower emission fuels.
United’s Eco-Skies Alliance program was launched in April 2021.
New participants include Audi, Bank of America and Corporate Travel Management.
The SAF that United is using today is provided by Neste.
United has committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
