United Airlines and renewable fuels producer Neste announced an expansion of their sustainable aviation fuel partnership, with a short term agreement to supply SAF to three new major U.S. airports.
United Airlines has committed to fully reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on carbon offsets. Investments in SAF are a key tool identified by the airline to reach its goal. Under the new agreement, United will become the first commercial airline to purchase SAF for use on flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington D.C.
Lauren Riley, United Chief Sustainability Officer, said:
“Introducing sustainable aviation fuel for the first time at our hubs in Houston, Newark, and Dulles is another significant milestone in United’s sustainability journey. While United remains the leading SAF user in the U.S., using over 4,300 metric tons (13 million gallons) last year, we recognize that the growth of the SAF market requires support from both state and federal governments. We will continue collaborating with stakeholders, like Neste, across the aviation value chain to encourage policymakers to implement sensible market incentives that promote lower-carbon energy.”
Finland-based Neste provides renewable and circular solutions for sectors including road transport, aviation, and polymers and chemicals. The company’s Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is made from sustainably sourced renewable waste and residues such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste, and compatible with existing aircraft engines and airport fuel infrastructure. According to Neste, the company’s Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to using conventional jet fuel.
United signed the first overseas SAF agreement for a U.S. commercial airline with Neste in 2022 to supply fuel for flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, and Neste has also been supplying SAF to United at Chicago O’Hare International Airport since August 2024.
Under the new agreement, Neste has already been delivering SAF to United at George Bush Airport since July, and will continue through October, while deliveries to Newark and Dulles started in September and are set to continue until the end of 2025. The fuel is delivered to each airport via existing pipeline infrastructure from Neste’s SAF terminal facilities in Houston.
Carl Nyberg, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Renewable Products at Neste, said:
“We are thrilled to enable United Airlines to expand SAF use to new markets in the United States. It is crucial that more states enact proven incentive policy frameworks to accelerate the production of SAF and support the aviation industry towards its bold net-zero carbon emission goal by 2050. We remain fully committed to supporting our customers in reducing emissions by scaling our SAF production and supply capabilities.”
