Neste will provide up to 1 million gallons (3,000 metric tons) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ to United Airlines for use at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in the U.S. through the end of 2024. This expansion of the existing partnership between the two companies enables United to become the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for operational use for flights from Chicago O’Hare, one of the busiest airports in the U.S.
The first supply of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel blended with conventional jet fuel will arrive at Chicago O’Hare Airport via pipeline in August from Neste’s newly-commissioned SAF terminal capacity in Houston, which expands the availability of Neste’s SAF to airlines that operate at airports east of the Rocky Mountains all the way to the East Coast.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with United and see our SAF being used at one of the major airports in the U.S. It underlines our commitment to supporting the U.S. aviation industry in its efforts to decarbonize and shows the important role that policy supports like the federal SAF 40B credit and the Illinois’ SAF Purchase Credit play in accelerating SAF usage. We continue supporting United’s roadmap to achieve its emission goals and look forward to expanding our cooperation at other airports across the globe,” said Alexander Kueper, Vice President, Renewable Aviation Business at Neste.
“This is what happens when innovation, leadership and policy come together,” said United President Brett Hart, who was at ORD today with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. “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 – SAF at O’Hare was made possible thanks to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Legislature passing tax incentives.”
Illinois SAF Purchase Credit
In 2023, Illinois introduced a SAF purchase credit for every gallon of SAF sold to or used by an air carrier in the state. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Illinois ranked fifth in the nation for jet fuel consumption in 2022. The new tax credit positions Illinois at the forefront of encouraging SAF adoption.
The delivery of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to United at ORD builds on Neste’s long-term partnership with the airline. In 2022, Neste announced the supply of 2.5 million gallons (7,500 metric tons) of SAF to United at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands, followed by another announcement in 2023 of providing 1.5 million gallons (4,500 metric tons) of SAF to fuel all of United’s departing flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ reduces 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 and works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.