GHG Emissions, Commercial, Sourcing Renewables  -  September 19, 2024

49ers, United Airlines Launch SAF Project

United Airlines and the San Francisco 49ers announced that the football team has become the first in the NFL to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 

As an initial step toward addressing emissions concerns, the team has purchased enough SAF to cover its game-related flying on United from San Francisco to Los Angeles this Sunday, September 22.

SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% on a lifecycle basis – from production to end use – because it is made from renewable materials rather than oil. United's SAF is certified by an independent third-party that meets several sustainability criteria, including its carbon intensity.

United was the first airline to create a goal of reaching net zero GHG emissions by 2050 without relying on voluntary carbon offsets. The airline purchased more sustainable fuel than any U.S. airline in 2023 and has used a blend of SAF at five airports in the U.S. and Europe, including the San Francisco International Airport.

"SAF has the potential to be a powerful tool to help reduce carbon emissions from flying, but the industry is still in its infancy, supply is limited, and most people don't know what it is," said United CEO Scott Kirby, in a statement. "We're proud to partner with like-minded organizations like the 49ers to demonstrate and elevate to a broader audience why it's important to support real solutions like SAF."

The 49ers play their home games at Levi's® Stadium in San Francisco, which was the first U.S. professional football stadium to have achieved a LEED Gold certification. Its solar panels generate enough energy to power every 49ers home game. 

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