United Airlines became the first US airline to make an international purchase agreement for sustainable aviation fuel. The new purchase agreement provides United the right to buy up to 160,000 tonnes (52.5 million gallons) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel over the next three years to fuel United flights at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and potentially other airports.
“Reducing carbon emissions from fuel use is the fastest way United will reach its 100 percent green goal by 2050. As the leading US airline globally, it makes sense to accelerate our use of SAF and expand our network of partners internationally with a leading company like Neste,” said Lauren Riley, United’s chief sustainability officer. “The demand from our customers to limit their emissions from flying is growing exponentially and this agreement means that United customers flying from Amsterdam will be partners in our sustainability efforts.”
In the first year, Neste will provide United with 7,500 tonnes (2.5 million gallons) of SAF in Amsterdam. The right to purchase will increase up to 60,000 tonnes (20 million gallons) in the second year, and up to 90,000 tonnes (30 million gallons) in the third year, at Amsterdam or other locations, as Neste increases its SAF production globally.
Neste has been producing and delivering SAF since 2011 and has a proven track record of supplying SAF to customers in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Because of its growth strategy, the company will be producing 1.5 million tonnes (515 million gallons) of SAF annually by the end of 2023.
“We’re 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,” said Thorsten Lange, executive vice-president, renewable aviation at Neste. “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.”
Neste’s SAF reduces life cycle GHG emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel and burns cleaner than conventional jet fuel reducing non-CO2 emissions, including particulate matter (PM). Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced from 100 percent sustainably sourced renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste.
