At United, we’ve made a bold, industry-leading commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on voluntary carbon offsets. Last month, United crossed an exciting milestone on this path forward to flying more sustainably: becoming the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
While O’Hare is United’s hometown hub, it’s the fifth airport where United has purchased SAF for operational use, among the most airport locations of any U.S. airline.
These purchases are a reflection of United’s commitment to build a more sustainable future in the aviation industry. Recognizing that the industry relies on fossil fuels, United has focused its decarbonization efforts on the core of the business: jet fuel itself. That’s where SAF comes in.
Made from feedstocks such as used cooking oil and agricultural waste, SAF is a lower-carbon alternative to normal jet fuel that can be used to fuel existing aircraft in combination with conventional jet fuel.
“The science is clear: SAF is the most promising tool to reduce our carbon footprint,” says Lauren Riley, United’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “As a company at the forefront of making aviation more sustainable, we want and need to spark change by bringing SAF into our airports. Purchasing SAF for O’Hare represents another step forward in our long-term goal.”
While the use of SAF is the nearest-term solution to decarbonizing the aviation industry, introducing SAF into operations is no small feat. The accomplishment was fueled thanks to collaboration with companies and governing bodies alike. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker championed the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchase Credit that led to the historic purchase.
“Since day one as governor, I’ve committed to making Illinois a national leader in sustainability and clean energy, which is why I was proud to support a nation-leading SAF tax credit last year,” Pritzker says. “Illinois’s position as a hub of innovation with some of the most connected airports in the country perfectly aligns with the work of companies like United to build a more sustainable future for travel and reach our shared goal of zero emissions.”
This step forward was years in the making, made possible by the support of the governor and the foundation United has built alongside other corporate partners. In 2021, United launched Eco-Skies Alliance, a first-of-its-kind program that brings companies with a shared vision of the future together to purchase SAF. Some of these companies joined United President Brett Hart and Governor Pritzker in an event celebrating the milestone in July.
“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,” says Hart, who was at the event. “This is what happens when innovation, leadership, and policy come together.”
