United Airlines, through its United Airlines Ventures (UAV) Sustainable Flight Fund, has invested in Heirloom, a company specializing in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. The investment aligns with United’s strategy to lower carbon emissions in aviation by advancing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Alongside this financial backing, United secured rights to purchase up to 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide removal from Heirloom. This initiative reflects the airline’s broader commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions without relying on offset programs.
United’s involvement in SAF development has expanded in recent years. The UAV Sustainable Flight Fund, launched in 2023, has attracted over $200 million in commitments from partners such as Embraer, GE Aerospace, and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL). The airline has already made multiple investments in carbon capture technologies, but this marks its first foray into DAC. Previous carbon reduction efforts included collaborations with other clean energy firms aiming to scale SAF production.
How Does Heirloom’s Technology Work?
Heirloom employs a process that uses limestone to absorb CO2 from the air. The captured CO2 is then extracted and stored underground using a renewable energy-powered kiln. The company claims this method provides a cost-effective solution for large-scale carbon removal. By leveraging an abundant mineral such as limestone, Heirloom aims to establish a scalable pathway for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
What Role Does Carbon Capture Play in Aviation?
The aviation sector faces significant challenges in cutting emissions due to the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. Carbon capture technologies, including DAC, have been identified as potential solutions to mitigate these emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), such technologies are crucial for achieving global net-zero targets. United’s investment in Heirloom represents a step toward integrating carbon removal into SAF production, potentially reducing the environmental impact of air travel.
Andrew Chang, Head of United Airlines Ventures, emphasized the importance of carbon capture in advancing clean energy goals, stating:
“Carbon capture is one of our country’s fastest growing, energy enabling pathways. At UAV, our primary focus is finding solutions for decarbonization that are profitable. Heirloom’s technology aligns directly with this objective, offering a scalable and commercially viable approach and complements United’s commitment to net zero by 2050.”
Heirloom has positioned itself as a key player in the carbon removal industry. The company began operations at North America’s first commercial DAC facility in 2023 and is participating in the Department of Energy-supported Project Cypress in Louisiana. Heirloom CEO Shashank Samala highlighted the potential impact of DAC in aviation, stating:
“We are incredibly proud to welcome the United Sustainable Flight Fund as an investor and to work with them to scale our DAC technology. By utilizing DAC as a dual-pronged tool that can both greatly reduce CO2 emission from aviation fuel and remove residual emissions, we are charting a true path to Net Zero aviation.”
Despite the potential of DAC, challenges remain in scaling the technology for widespread use. The high costs associated with carbon removal and SAF production continue to be obstacles for broader adoption. However, with increasing corporate investments and government support, advancements in DAC could make it a more commercially viable option. United’s investment in Heirloom signals confidence in the future of carbon capture within the aviation sector.
Airlines are under growing pressure to cut emissions, with regulatory bodies pushing for stricter environmental policies. While SAF and carbon capture are gaining traction, their deployment at a global scale will require significant infrastructure and policy support. The success of initiatives like United’s investment in Heirloom will depend on technological improvements and cost reductions in carbon removal processes.
