United Airlines and Neste, a renewable fuels producer, have announced an expansion of their sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnership. This new agreement will supply SAF to three major US airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, and Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. United Airlines is committed to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on carbon offsets, with investments in SAF playing a crucial role.
Lauren Riley, United’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasised the significance of introducing SAF at these hubs, noting that while United leads in SAF usage in the US, market growth requires governmental support. The airline utilised over 4,300 metric tonnes of SAF last year. United’s collaboration with Neste is part of a broader strategy to encourage the implementation of market incentives for lower-carbon energy.
Neste, based in Finland, provides renewable solutions for various sectors. Its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is derived from renewable waste, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. This fuel is compatible with existing aircraft engines and airport infrastructure and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel.
United first partnered with Neste for overseas SAF supply in 2022 at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Neste has also been supplying SAF to United at Chicago O’Hare International Airport since August 2024. Under the new agreement, Neste began delivering SAF to George Bush Airport in July, with deliveries to Newark and Dulles commencing in September and continuing until the end of 2025. The fuel is transported via existing pipelines from Neste’s SAF terminal facilities in Houston.
Carl Nyberg, Neste’s Senior Vice President of Commercial, Renewable Products, expressed enthusiasm for expanding SAF use in the US. He highlighted the need for state-level incentive policies to accelerate SAF production and support the aviation industry’s net-zero carbon emission goals. Neste remains committed to scaling its SAF production and supply capabilities to aid customers in reducing emissions.
