United Airlines has intensified its commitment to reducing carbon emissions by expanding its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnership with Neste. The airline will now supply SAF to three major airports—Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental, Newark Liberty International, and Washington D.C.’s Dulles International. The move underscores the airline’s strategy to minimize its carbon footprint without resorting to offsets, by harnessing renewable energy resources.
While United has been heavily investing in sustainable aviation fuel over the years, this recent agreement marks another important phase in its sustainability mission. Previously, United had signed a landmark deal with Neste in 2022 to provide SAF at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, marking its debut international SAF supply agreement. Neste has also been providing SAF for flights departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport since August 2024, demonstrating the airline’s concerted effort to implement renewable energy sources across its operations.
What Role Does Neste Play in This Initiative?
Neste, established in Finland, offers renewable solutions that span multiple industries, including aviation. The company’s premier product, Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel, is derived from renewable waste ingredients such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. The fuel is not only compatible with current aircraft systems and airport infrastructures but is also claimed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle in comparison to conventional jet fuel.
Can Incentives Bolster SAF Adoption?
The broader implementation of SAF hinges on the support of both state and federal entities, according to United’s perspective. Promoting legislation that would incentivize the production and use of SAF is viewed as critical to expanding its market presence. Uniting with Neste allows United to bolster its SAF capabilities and advocates for policies that favor lower-carbon energy solutions.
Under the new agreement, United started receiving SAF deliveries at Houston’s George Bush Airport in July, with provisions set to last until October. Newark and Dulles began receiving their allocations in September, with supply expected to persist until the end of 2025. This SAF is seamlessly supplied via existing pipeline networks from Neste’s hubs in Houston.
While reflecting on these developments, United’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Lauren Riley, remarked,
“Introducing sustainable aviation fuel for the first time at our hubs in Houston, Newark, and Dulles is another significant milestone in United’s sustainability journey. We will continue collaborating with stakeholders across the aviation value chain to encourage policymakers to implement sensible market incentives that promote lower-carbon energy.”
Carl Nyberg of Neste shared a similar sentiment, highlighting the broader industry’s need for regulatory frameworks to push SAF production and consumption.
“We are thrilled to enable United Airlines to expand SAF use to new markets in the United States. It is crucial that more states enact proven incentive policy frameworks to accelerate the production of SAF and support the aviation industry towards its bold net-zero carbon emission goal by 2050.”
SAF adoption is gradually receiving attention due to its potential to curtail significant portions of the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. The recent partnership expansion reflects United Airlines’ ambitious emission reduction targets and highlights that paving the way toward extensive SAF marketability necessitates strategic collaborations and government interventions. As more airlines venture into sustainable aviation solutions, the long-term effects on global carbon emissions could foster a substantial shift towards greener aviation practices.
