United Airlines Flies Historic Passenger Flight Using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel

United Airlines has become a game-changer in the aviation industry’s effort to combat climate change. In 2016, it was known as the world’s first airline to combine sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with traditional jet fuel in its regular operations. Continue reading to learn more about the historic United flight. 

After five years of investments and preparation, United is set to make history again. On December 1, 2021, a commercial carrier piloted an aircraft using 100% sustainable aviation fuel. At the same time, United announced the second round of corporate partners in the airline’s Eco-Skies Alliance Program to contribute to SAF investment. The growing list of partners contributed to United’s purchase of almost twice the size of the rest of the world’s airlines combined efforts on sustainable aviation fuel acquisitions.  

According to the company, the engine using sustainable aviation fuel emitted about 75% less carbon dioxide than a flight using traditional jet fuel.

More About United Airlines SAF Demo Flight 

The plane took off O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. It then landed in Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, with over 100 passengers. United tweeted that “aviation history is cleared for take-off. Passengers of the historic flight included United CEO Scott Kirby, business leaders, government officials, members of the press, and NGOs. Also on board were executives from partner companies like Boeing and World Energy, which produces SAF.

In a company press release, CEO Kirby said that the airline continues to be at the forefront of climate change action in the aviation industry. 

“The SAF flight is not only an essential milestone for the effort to reduce carbon footprints in the industry but also demonstrates the scalable ways companies can participate in addressing the biggest challenge of our lifetime, ” says United CEO Scott Kirby. 

The demo flight was on a new United Boeing 737 MAX 8. The commercial aircraft used 500 gallons of sustainable aviation fuel in one engine. Meanwhile, it used the same amount of conventional jet fuel in the other engine. The said process was to show no operational variances between the two powers. Similarly, it will pave the way for more scalable uses of SAF by all airlines in the future. Airlines now can only use up to 50% SAF on board. The amount of SAF used on December 1 United flight is drop-in ready and compatible with current aircraft fleets. 

United said that the plane flew 612 miles, and the engine using SAF emitted an estimated 75% less carbon dioxide than a flight using traditional jet fuel.

The Eco-Skies Alliance Program

Launched in April 2021, the Eco-Skies Alliance Program is an innovative program. It involves corporations working with the airline to promote sustainable aviation. This year alone, the program contributed to the purchase of over 7 million gallons of SAF. The group aims for an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) on a lifecycle basis compared to traditional jet fuel. The available supply of SAF is already sufficient to eliminate about 66,000 metric tons of GHG emissions. It’s also enough to fly passengers at more than 460 million miles. 

Along with the newly announced participants, the Eco-Skies Alliance Program has almost 30 participants. This includes companies like Nike, HP Inc., and DHL. The new contributors include     American Family Insurance, Biogen, Bollore` Logistics, CWT, Maersk,  Meta, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, Salesforce, Visa, Yusen Logistics, and Zurich North America.

The SAF demonstration flight and new Eco-Skies supporters are among the latest accomplishments of United’s goal to be 100% green by 2050. In a further move to build transparency and enable certification on SAF emissions reduction, United collaborated with Microsoft, Air bp, and the Roundtable on Sustainable Aviation Biomaterials in the book-and-claim pilot.

Milestones: United’s Commitment Towards 100% Green

Here are some of the latest accomplishments of United in its efforts towards environmental sustainability:

2021

The company recently decided to purchase 1.5 billion gallons of SAF from Alder Fuels and invested in Fulcrum BioEnergy. They can acquire up to 900 million gallons of additional SAF.

In July 2021, United Aviate Ventures (UAV) revealed that Breakthrough Energy Venture and Mesa Airlines had invested in electric aircraft startup Heart Aerospace. 

Also in July 2021, Air Transport World magazine acknowledged United as Eco-Airline of the Year for the third time. 

In June 2021, United bared plans to purchase 15 of Boom Supersonic “Overture” airliners. There’s an estimate that it will carry passengers in 2029. It’s the net-zero aircrafts that will be flying on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. 

In February 2021, United released an agreement to partner with Archer Aviation to fast-track the development and production of electric aircraft. It is considered an urban mobility solution. It can also serve as an air taxi, providing United Airlines customers to reduce their carbon footprint even before boarding a United flight. 

2020

United became the first airline to demonstrate commitment to investing in direct air capture, carbon capture, and sequestration technology. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has chosen United as the only airline in its 2020 Climate’s A-List in the same period. The airline received recognition for its commitment to reduce GHG emissions, combat climate change and develop a low-carbon economy. It is already the seventh consecutive year that United achieved the highest CDP score among US airlines.

2019

United introduced the “Flight for the Planet”. This represented the most-eco-friendly commercial flight of its category in the history of commercial aviation.

2018

United became the first airline in the US to target GHG emissions reduction by 50% by the year 2050. United’s 100% green commitment has since surpassed this goal.

2016

United became the first airline across the globe to utilize sustainable aviation fuel in regular operations. 

The success of sustainable aviation fuel-powered flight and the continued support of global corporations working with United is a great opportunity to reduce the industry’s environmental impact. To learn more about their initiatives, visit the Eco-Skies Alliance Program website. 

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