This expansion of the existing partnership between the two companies enables United to become the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for operational use for flights from Chicago O’Hare, one of the busiest airports in the US.
The first supply of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel blended with conventional jet fuel will arrive at Chicago O’Hare Airport via pipeline in August 2024 from Neste’s newly-commissioned SAF terminal capacity in Houston, which expands the availability of Neste’s SAF to airlines that operate at airports east of the Rocky Mountains all the way 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 US. It underlines our commitment to supporting the US aviation industry in its efforts to decarbonise 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. “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.”