United: First U.S. Airline to Sign Agreement to Buy Sustainable Aviation Fuel Overseas

United has become the first US airline to sign an agreement to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The airline has invested in more sustainable fuel production than any other airline in the world.

United has inked a new purchase agreement with Neste that gives it the right to buy up to 52.5 million gallons of fuel for United flights at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and other airports over the next three years.

Lauren Riley, United’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said:

"Reducing carbon emissions from the fuel is the fastest way United will reach our 100% green goal by 2050. As the airline that has invested more than any other airline in sustainable aviation fuel production, it makes sense to expand our network of partners internationally with a leading company like Neste. The demand from our customers to limit their emissions from flying is growing exponentially, and this agreement means that United customers flying from Amsterdam and potentially other airports will be partners in our sustainability efforts.”

Neste will supply United with 2.5 million gallons of SAF in Amsterdam in the first year. United will also have the option to buy up to 20 million gallons in the second year and up to 30 million gallons in the third year from Neste in Amsterdam or other locations around the world as Neste's SAF production increases.

Neste's business expansion strategy, which will produce 515 million gallons of SAF (1.5 million tons) per year by the end of 2023, has facilitated this supply deal. Neste has been producing and distributing SAF since 2011, with customers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Thorsten Lange, Executive Vice President, Renewable Aviation at Neste, said:

"We are excited to be partnering with United in this milestone purchase agreement and make our SAF available to United, also an industry leader in SAF investments. Our global, fast-growing SAF production and supply chain supports airlines and their customers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Neste is committed to helping aviation transition to a more sustainable future, and we look forward to expanding our cooperation with United.”

United has made significant strategic investments in SAF producers and ground-breaking technologies such as carbon capture, hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft, and urban air transportation.

Source: United