Finland-based sustainable fuels supplier Neste is to provide up to 1m gallons (3,000 metric tons) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to United Airlines for use at Chicago O’Hare International Airport in the period up to the end of this year.
United is the first airline to purchase SAF for operational use for flights out of O’Hare.
Initial delivery of the Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel blended with conventional jet fuel will arrive at O’Hare via pipeline in August from Neste’s newly-commissioned SAF terminal capacity in Houston.
The bringing on-stream of that terminal expanded the availability of Neste’s SAF to airlines operating at airports east of the Rocky Mountains all the way to the US east coast.
Alexander Kueper, vice president, renewable aviation business at Neste, said that the new arrangement at one of the US’s busiest air hubs “underlines our commitment to supporting the US aviation industry in its efforts to decarbonise.
“We continue supporting United’s roadmap to achieve its emission goals and look forward to expanding our cooperation at other airports across the globe,” he declared.
United president Brett Hart added: “This is what happens when innovation, leadership and policy come together.
“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.”
The supply of Neste’s MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to United at O’Hare will build on the company’s long-term partnership with the American carrier.
In 2022, Neste announced that it would supply 2.5 million gallons (7,500 metric tons) of SAF to United at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, and this was followed by another announcement in 2023 that it would provide 1.5 million gallons (4,500 metric tons) of SAF to fuel all of United’s departing flights from San Francisco International Airport.
Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is said by the company to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to using conventional jet fuel.
Neste’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste.
SAF is certified for commercial use and can currently be blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuel before use. It is fully compatible with existing aircraft engines and fuelling infrastructure.
United Cargo joins third-party booking portals with WebCargo partnership
The post United goes with Neste for SAF at O’Hare appeared first on Air Cargo News.
