Neste Corp. announced Oct. 23 that it has expanded its partnership with United Airlines to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to three additional major U.S. airports.
The new agreement makes United the first commercial airline to purchase SAF for flights departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas; Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey; and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington, D.C.
Under the expanded partnership, Neste will provide neat Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™, which will be blended with conventional jet fuel to meet required specifications. Neste began SAF deliveries to United at George Bush Airport in July, with shipments continuing through the end of October. Deliveries to Newark and Dulles began in September and will run through the end of 2025. All fuel is supplied via existing pipeline infrastructure from Neste’s SAF terminal facilities in Houston.
“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,” said Lauren Riley, United’s chief sustainability officer. “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.”
Carl Nyberg, the senior vice president for commercial renewable products at Neste, added, “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.”
The agreement strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two companies. Neste has been supplying SAF to United at Chicago O’Hare International Airport since August 2024, after Illinois enacted a SAF purchase credit, making United the first airline to use SAF at the airport. United has also used Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel at San Francisco International Airport, supported by California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
SAF is a renewable alternative to fossil-based jet fuel. When using neat Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™, greenhouse-gas emissions can be reduced by up to 80 percent over the fuel’s lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel. The fuel is produced from 100 percent renewable raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal-fat waste.
Certified for commercial aviation, SAF can currently be blended up to 50 percent with conventional jet fuel and is fully compatible with today’s aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.
Neste’s global SAF production capacity is 1.5 million tons (about 515 million gallons) per year and is expected to grow to 2.2 million tons (about 750 million gallons) by 2027.
Adapted from an article originally shared by Biobased Diesel Daily. Image Credit: Pixabay – DirkDanielMann