United Turns to SAF at Chicago O’Hare

According to the company, United will take delivery of up to 1 million gallons of Neste MY SAFE in 2024 with the first load arriving in August.

SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel designed to be more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel. Created from renewable resources, such as reclaimed cooking oil and feed stocks, it can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85 percent on a lifecycle basis, according to Neste. SAF can be used in unmodified aircraft engines and fuel delivery systems

United is a chief advocate for legislation to grow the SAF market. The airline has been instrumental in helping secure SAF tax credits in Illinois, as well as Washington, Colorado, and California that encourage airports to purchase SAF.

United is one of the founders of the SAF Coalition, which is described as a consortium of more than 40 airlines, aircraft operators, agricultural enterprises, aircraft and aircraft equipment manufacturers, airports, technology developers, labor unions, and biofuel producers. Its mission is to expand the use of SAF and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

In addition to Chicago, the airline has now purchased SAF for airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and Amsterdam.

"I'm pleased to see United Airlines making this significant move forward by using sustainable aviation fuel daily in flights from O'Hare," U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) said in a statement. "One of the most important things we can do to make American aviation more sustainable is increase the supply of SAF. At the federal level, I've been pushing for the increased use of SAF, and I'm going to keep pushing to increase the supply of American-grown, American-made SAF, a true win-win solution that supports domestic farmers and blenders while reducing our nation's carbon footprint."

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker echoed the enthusiasm, noting that KORD is one of the busiest hub airports in the United States.

"Illinois' position as a hub of innovation with some of the most connected airports in the country perfectly aligns with the work of companies like United to build a more sustainable future for travel and reach our shared goal of zero emissions," Pritzker said.

United Airlines president Brett Hart said tax incentives in Illinois made SAF availability at the airport possible.

"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," Hart said.

SAF purchased for United's fleet is paid for in part through the company's Eco-Skies Alliance, which allows participating companies to share the "green premium," or the cost associated with purchasing lower-emission fuels. Since 2021, the alliance has collectively contributed toward the purchase of more than 10.5 million gallons of SAF, according to the company.