United Airlines said it has agreed to purchase up to 1 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) this year for use at its base hub, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Finnish fuel producer Neste will start delivering the SAF to ORD before the end of August, United said in a statement. It will be the first operational use of SAF for commercial flights from the airport.
The Star Alliance carrier already uses SAF to partially power departing flights at four airports: Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, Los Angeles International and San Francisco International.
“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,” United President Brett Hart said. “SAF at O'Hare was made possible thanks to … the Illinois legislature passing [SAF] tax incentives."
United has aggressively worked to push the development of SAF for flights, including creating the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund. But SAF still only comprises around 0.1% of United’s total fuel use.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with United and see our SAF being used at one of the major airports in the U.S.,” said Alexander Kueper, VP of Neste’s renewable aviation business. “It underlines our commitment to supporting the U.S. aviation industry in its efforts to decarbonize.”
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