With sustainable aviation and lowered emissions becoming a high priority for airlines, airports, and governments worldwide, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has quickly become a popular choice for efficiently slashing carbon output. In its efforts to reach its net zero goals, United Airlines has announced plans to begin scaling up its SAF usage through 2023.

Scaling up SAFs

In a statement posted Thursday, the Chicago-based carrier unveiled fresh plans to bolster its usage of biofuels out of San Francisco (SFO) and London Heathrow (LHW) beginning later this year. Over 10 million gallons of a SAF blend will be utilized on the carrier's flights departing both airports, nearly triple 2022's SAF usage.

Since expressing its interest in biofuels several years ago, United Airlines has invested in producing over five billion gallons of SAF, most recently launching a $100 million SAF investment fund to support sustainable start-ups in February 2023.

737-800 United Airlines
Photo: United Airlines

The carrier first began using the biofuel blends back in 2016 at Los Angeles (LAX) before scaling across to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) last year. As of 2023, United Airlines' flights out of both airports continue to use SAFs on all departing services, though more of the carrier's domestic and international hubs may soon follow.

United Airlines will utilize Neste's biofuel at several airports, including San Francisco and Amsterdam. The biofuel blend, developed by the Finnish energy firm, converts waste and by-products, such as used cooking oil and excess animal fat, into a sustainably sourced fuel for commercial use, reducing emissions by up to 80% across its life cycle.

"It's remarkable to see that in just a few years United has exponentially increased its SAF use. While 10 million gallons of SAF in 2023 represents a fraction of what we need, we have also made big investments in producers that are using everything from ethanol to algae, to CO2, to help increase our available future supply," explained Lauren Riley, United Airlines' Chief Sustainability Officer.

"We believe these investments, along with our continued collaboration with policymakers, cross-industry businesses, and other airlines will help us scale this brand-new industry to achieve comparable success to solar and wind."

United Airlines Becomes Latest Airline To Trial BioFuel
Photo: United Airlines

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Changing industry

United Airlines' investment in fuels out of London Heathrow will mark the first time the carrier participates in the airport's SAF incentive, prompting airlines to convert to biofuel blends by covering up to 50% of the extra costs compared to conventional kerosene-based fuels. Following high demand in 2022, the airport is set to grow the scheme, tripling the airport's SAF utilization to 1.5% for 2023.

United Airlines' extensive use of partnerships and alliances will subsidize the carrier's SAF usage, with the fuel used on flights partially covered by the airline's Eco-Skies Alliance. Launched in 2021, the program allows companies to split the premium associated with purchasing biofuels, keeping costs relatively low and affordable for customers. Over the past two years, over 15 million gallons have been purchased by the Eco-Skies Alliance, cutting roughly 150,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions from the atmosphere. Current participants include DHL, Deloitte, Visa, Bank of America, and Nike, among many other major companies.

What are your thoughts on United Airlines' expanded use of SAFs? What other ways would you like to see the airline reach its Net Zero goals? Let us know in the comments.