United Airlines highlighting new emphasis on sustainable fuel along with global corporate partners

United Airlines is setting a course toward a sustainable future with the launch of its Eco-Skies Alliance – working with the airline, more than a dozen leading global corporations will collectively contribute towards the purchase of approximately 3.4 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) this year.

With its nearly 80 percent emissions reductions on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel, this is enough SAF to eliminate approximately 31,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or enough to fly passengers over 220 million miles.

As inaugural participants, a number of top corporate names are becoming part of the program, with the hoped-for effect of creating and increasing demand for SAF, including Autodesk, Boston Consulting Group, CEVA Logistics, Deloitte, DHL Global, DSV Panalpina, HP Inc, Nike, Palantir, Siemens, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

“While we’ve partnered with companies for years to help them offset their flight emissions, we applaud those participating in the Eco-Skies Alliance for recognizing the need to go beyond carbon offsets and support SAF-powered flying, which will lead to more affordable supply and ultimately, lower emissions,” said United CEO Scott Kirby.

 “This is just the beginning. Our goal is to add more companies to the Eco-Skies Alliance program, purchase more SAF and work across industries to find other innovative paths towards decarbonization,” he added.

According to its media statement, United has made the airline industry’s single largest investment in SAF and has purchased more SAF than any other airline in the world.

World Energy, a long-term partner of United, will supply the SAF to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which makes it conveniently accessible to United’s operations.

In addition to the Eco-Skies Alliance program, United is giving customers the ability to contribute funds for additional SAF purchase or for use on initiatives United believes will help decarbonize aviation – the first of any U.S. airline to do so. Understanding there is a growing interest among customers for real, lasting solutions, this new capability will be available starting immediately via portal on at: united.com/ecoskiesalliance.

The company added in its statement that strong federal and state policy leadership will be essential to reducing the climate impacts of air travel, so starting immediately United will help individuals connect with elected representatives to advocate for policies that would make air travel more sustainable for the long term.

United will be the first airline in the world to connect customers directly with policy makers to voice the support that is needed to advance and accelerate permanent, scalable solutions that hold the potential to decarbonize the air transportation industry – and not just offset emissions.

 “We know there is a growing demand from a wide range of our customers including corporations, cargo shippers and individuals who share the same concern we do – that climate change is the most pressing issue of our generation,” Kirby said.

United says it’s making a 100 percent “Green Commitment,” noting that the company believes the airline industry needs to be bolder when it comes to making decisions that confront the climate crisis.

“That’s why we’ve committed to become100 percent green and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions 100 percent by 2050 by taking the harder, better path of reducing emissions from flying, rather than relying on traditional carbon offsets,” the company said in its statement.