United Airlines has announced an expanded partnership with renewable fuels producer Neste to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at three major U.S. airports, part of its goal to achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas emission target by 2050 without relying on carbon offsets. This initiative marks United's first use of SAF at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, in addition to existing supplies at Chicago O’Hare, and now at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington D.C., with deliveries ongoing through the end of 2025.
Neste's SAF, made from sustainably sourced waste and residues such as used cooking oil and animal fats, reduces greenhouse emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to traditional jet fuel. The fuel is delivered via pipelines from Neste’s facilities, reinforcing its commitment to scalable and sustainable energy solutions for aviation.
Industry context and future outlook
Lauren Riley, United’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized the significance of including SAF in United's sustainability strategy, citing the airline's record of using over 13 million gallons last year. She highlighted the importance of government incentives to foster the growth of the SAF market and urged policymakers to support lower-carbon fuels.
Neste’s Vice President Carl Nyberg noted the company's dedication to supporting airlines' decarbonization efforts and expanding SAF availability across the U.S. He emphasized the need for supportive policies to accelerate SAF production and industry-wide emissions reduction.
