GHG Emissions, Commercial, Sourcing Renewables  -  August 5, 2024

United Airlines Deploys SAF at O’Hare Airport

United Airlines announced it will use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) through the end of 2024.

Neste will provide up to 1 million gallons (3,000 metric tons) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ to the airline.

The expansion of the existing partnership between the two companies enables United to become the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel for operational use for flights from Chicago O’Hare.

The first supply of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel blended with conventional jet fuel will arrive at Chicago O’Hare Airport via pipeline in August from Neste’s newly-commissioned SAF terminal capacity in Houston. This expands the availability of Neste’s SAF to airlines that operate at airports east of the Rocky Mountains all the way to the East Coast.

“This is what happens when innovation, leadership and policy come together,” said United President Brett Hart in a statement. “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 – SAF at O’Hare was made possible thanks to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Legislature passing tax incentives.”

In 2023, Illinois introduced an SAF purchase credit for every gallon of SAF sold to or used by an air carrier in the state. Illinois ranked fifth in the nation for jet fuel consumption in 2022, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The delivery of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to United at ORD builds on Neste’s long-term partnership with the airline. In 2022, Neste announced the supply of 2.5 million gallons (7,500 metric tons) of SAF to United at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands, followed by another announcement in 2023 regarding providing 1.5 million gallons (4,500 metric tons) of SAF to fuel all of United’s departing flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ lowers GHG emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to using conventional jet fuel. Neste’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. SAF is certified for commercial use and can currently be blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuel before use and works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.

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