What Major New Deal Will Boost United Airlines' Sustainable Aviation Fuel Use?

United Airlines has significantly expanded its commitment to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The carrier announced a new supply agreement with Neste, a Finnish renewable fuels producer. This move is a major step in the airline’s strategy for reducing carbon footprint and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Expanding SAF Commitment

The expanded partnership focuses on delivering SAF to three key United hubs. These airports are George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington D.C.. United Airlines is the first commercial airline to purchase SAF for use at these three major hubs.

Neste is supplying its neat Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ for the agreement. This fuel is made from renewable waste and residue materials, such as used cooking oil. The SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel before it is used in commercial flights. Neste reports that its product can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle. Deliveries to these hubs began in the latter half of 2025 and are set to continue through the end of the year.

Industry Context and Challenges

United Airlines is already the leading SAF user among U.S. carriers. The airline used over 13 million gallons of SAF in 2024 alone. This aggressive adoption is central to United's airline decarbonization strategy. The carrier aims to fully reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on carbon offsets.

Despite this progress, the widespread adoption of SAF faces significant hurdles. The SAF supply agreement highlights the current challenges in the market.

Key Industry Barriers

• High Cost: SAF production remains substantially more expensive than conventional jet fuel. This price premium creates financial strain for airlines.
• Scalability: Current global production levels are limited, posing a major logistical challenge. The industry needs a massive increase in production to meet long-term demand.
• Policy Support: Industry leaders stress the need for stronger state and federal incentives. Supportive policy frameworks are crucial to accelerate production and lower costs.

Lauren Riley, United’s Chief Sustainability Officer, noted the importance of government support. She emphasized that market growth requires sensible incentives for lower-carbon energy. The fuel is currently delivered through existing pipeline infrastructure. This compatibility with current systems is a key advantage for scalability and lower-emission flight. The partnership with Neste reinforces the importance of collaboration across the aviation value chain. This is essential for achieving global aviation sustainability goals set by bodies like IATA and ICAO.

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