United Airlines Sets Sustainability Milestone with Neste MY SAF at Chicago O’Hare in the U.S.

Thursday, August 1, 2024

United Airlines is set to receive up to 1 million gallons (3,000 metric tons) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ (SAF) from Neste for use at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in the U.S. through the end of 2024. This move marks a significant expansion of the existing collaboration between the two companies, positioning United as the first airline to integrate sustainable aviation fuel into its operations at one of the busiest airports in the country.

Starting in August, the first shipment of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel, blended with conventional jet fuel, will be delivered to Chicago O’Hare via pipeline. This supply will come from Neste’s newly-commissioned SAF terminal capacity in Houston, enhancing the availability of Neste’s SAF for airlines operating from airports east of the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast.

“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. It underlines our commitment to supporting the U.S. aviation industry in its efforts to decarbonize and shows the important role that policy supports like the federal SAF 40B credit and the Illinois’ SAF Purchase Credit play in accelerating SAF usage. We continue supporting United’s roadmap to achieve its emission goals and look forward to expanding our cooperation at other airports across the globe,” said Alexander Kueper, Vice President, Renewable Aviation Business at Neste.

“This is what happens when innovation, leadership and policy come together,” said United President Brett Hart, who was at ORD today with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. “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 – SAF at O’Hare was made possible thanks to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Legislature passing tax incentives.”

Illinois Leads the Way with Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchase Credit

In 2023, Illinois introduced a pioneering SAF purchase credit, incentivizing air carriers to adopt sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This initiative is particularly impactful given that Illinois ranked fifth in the U.S. for jet fuel consumption in 2022, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The new tax credit places Illinois at the forefront of promoting SAF adoption in the aviation industry.

Neste and United Airlines Partnership

The delivery of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to United Airlines at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) further strengthens the longstanding partnership between Neste and United. This follows significant previous collaborations, including the supply of 2.5 million gallons (7,500 metric tons) of SAF to United at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in 2022, and a 2023 agreement to provide 1.5 million gallons (4,500 metric tons) of SAF for all United’s departing flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

The Promise of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Sustainable aviation fuel offers a renewable alternative to conventional jet fuel, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ can cut emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to traditional fossil-based jet fuel. Made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue materials like used cooking oil and animal fat waste, SAF is certified for commercial use and can be blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuel. This blend works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.

Neste: A Leader in Renewable Energy

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) leverages science and innovative technology to convert waste and other resources into renewable fuels and circular raw materials. As the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, and a pioneer in developing renewable and circular feedstock solutions for polymers and chemicals, Neste aims to help its customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030.

Neste’s ambitions include transforming the Porvoo oil refinery in Finland into the most sustainable refinery in Europe and achieving carbon-neutral production by 2035. The company is also committed to reducing the carbon emission intensity of its sold products by 50% by 2040. Neste upholds high standards for biodiversity, human rights, and supply chain integrity. Consistently recognized in the CDP and Global 100 lists of the world’s most sustainable companies, Neste reported revenues of EUR 22.9 billion in 2023.

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