United Airlines Leads SAF Procurement For Chicago O’Hare

United Airlines has become the first carrier to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

Governor JB Pritzker joined United’s leadership at ORD to showcase how Illinois’ SAF tax credits have brought this eco-friendly fuel to one of America’s busiest airports.

In 2024, SAF producer Neste will supply United with up to 1 million gallons of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ at ORD, starting in August.

This move aligns with United’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will be achieved without relying on voluntary carbon offsets

United Airlines and SAF Purchasing
United continues to lead the U.S. airline industry in SAF purchase and use. In 2023, the airline bought more sustainable fuel than any other U.S. carrier.

The agreement with Neste makes O’Hare the fifth airport where United has secured SAF for operational use. This broad uptake surpasses most other U.S. airlines.

Governor Pritzker emphasized Illinois’ commitment to sustainability and clean energy, highlighting the state’s nation-leading SAF tax credit.

He noted that Illinois’ position as an innovation hub with well-connected airports aligns perfectly with United’s efforts to build a more sustainable future for travel.

SAF offers a promising solution for reducing aviation’s environmental impact. Made from renewable materials, it can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional jet fuel, considering the entire lifecycle from production to use.

Importantly, SAF can be used immediately with existing infrastructure, requiring no changes to fuel systems or aircraft engines

Leadership Comments
United’s President Brett Hart, present at ORD with the Governor, praised the collaboration between innovation, leadership, and policy.

He emphasized the opportunity for airlines and policymakers to support SAF’s continued growth. Hart acknowledged that while the market is still developing, initiatives like the Illinois tax incentives are making SAF adoption possible.

With this latest move, United has now purchased SAF for airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, London, and Amsterdam

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) commended United’s significant step forward. She stressed the importance of increasing SAF supply to make American aviation more sustainable.

Senator Duckworth highlighted her efforts at the federal level to promote SAF use. She pledged continuing support for American-grown, American-made SAF as a win-win solution for domestic farmers, blenders, and the environment.

United SAF Policy
United is a chief advocate for legislation to grow the SAF market, and helped push for the successful adoption of a federal SAF Blender’s Tax Credit, DOT grants to promote SAF usage, and incentives for hydrogen production and carbon capture.

At the state level, the airline has helped secure the passage of SAF tax credits in Illinois, Colorado, California and Washington that encourage the purchase of SAF for local airports