United Airlines to scale up SAF, allow passengers to fund production

London, (Quantum Commodity Intelligence) - United Airlines is to partner with 11 global companies to increase production of sustainable aviation fuel, while simultaneously allowing passengers to pay more for their flights to offset the environmental cost of flying.

In a statement released Tuesday, the airline said it would partner with companies such as Nike, HP and Siemens under an "Eco-Skies Alliance" to buy 3.4 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel this year.

No figures were given or details on what type of SAF will be used.

"While we've partnered with companies for years to help them offset their flight emissions, we applaud those participating in the Eco-Skies Alliance for recognizing the need to go beyond carbon offsets and support SAF-powered flying, which will lead to more affordable supply and ultimately, lower emissions," said United CEO Scott Kirby. 

Kirby said he hoped other companies would join the initiative while outlining plans to allow passengers to play a role.

"United is giving customers the ability to contribute funds for additional SAF purchase or for use on initiatives United believes will help decarbonize aviation – the first of any US airline to do so," United said in a statement.

The plan is part of United's aim to cut its emissions of greenhouse gases 50% by 2050, although the SAF purchases will only make a small dent.

In 2019, the airline burned 4.3 billion gallons of jet fuel, while the SAF it pledges to create will reduce emissions by 80% versus normal fuel.

SAF is a growing market, but in order to displace aviation emissions at scale tens of billions of gallons will need to be generated.

Aviation emissions account for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gases.