Neste and United Airlines Power Greener Travel With Expanded Sustainable Aviation Fuel Supply Across US Europe Airports

Image generated with Ai

Neste and United Airlines are powering greener travel by expanding sustainable aviation fuel supply across major US and European airports, as the companies strengthen their long-term partnership to reduce aviation emissions. The extended SAF agreement will support flights departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, helping increase the use of renewable fuel solutions in commercial aviation while advancing efforts towards lower-carbon global air connectivity.

Neste and United Airlines have expanded their sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnership, strengthening efforts to reduce aviation emissions through wider access to lower-carbon fuel solutions across major international routes. The extended agreement will support SAF supply for flights operating from Chicago O’Hare International Airport in the United States and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands, marking another step towards cleaner aviation operations.

The collaboration highlights the growing importance of sustainable aviation fuel as airlines and fuel producers work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining global air connectivity.

United Airlines Extends SAF Use Across Major International Airports

The extended agreement between Neste and United Airlines focuses on increasing the availability of blended SAF, which combines Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel with conventional jet fuel. This approach allows airlines to use the alternative fuel within existing aircraft fleets and airport fuelling systems without requiring major infrastructure changes.

SAF deliveries under the renewed agreement began at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in June 2026 and continued through August 2026. At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, deliveries started in July 2026 and are scheduled to continue until June 2027.

Chicago O’Hare plays a significant role in United Airlines’ global network. The airport is the airline’s largest hub based on daily departures and serves as a major connection point for domestic and international travellers.

United previously became the first airline to purchase and use blended SAF at Chicago O’Hare in August 2024, reinforcing the airport’s role in the airline’s sustainability strategy.

Amsterdam Schiphol has also been an important location for United’s SAF expansion. The airline has used Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel at the Dutch airport since 2022, supporting the introduction of renewable fuel into regular commercial operations.

United Airlines Increases Sustainable Aviation Fuel Adoption

United Airlines has continued to expand its SAF usage as part of its long-term emissions reduction approach. In 2025, the airline used more than 83,000 metric tonnes of SAF, equal to approximately 27.7 million gallons.

This represented a substantial increase compared with the previous year and reflected growing demand for alternative aviation fuels within the airline industry.

The carrier also extended SAF operations to additional domestic hubs, including Newark, Washington D.C. and Houston. With these additions, SAF usage has been introduced at six of United’s seven domestic hub airports.

The expansion demonstrates how airlines are gradually integrating sustainable fuel into daily operations while working towards wider environmental targets.

United has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The airline’s strategy includes the use of sustainable aviation fuel alongside operational improvements and other measures designed to reduce aviation’s environmental impact.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Becomes Key Solution for Aviation Emissions

Sustainable aviation fuel is increasingly viewed as one of the most practical solutions available today to help lower emissions from commercial aviation. Unlike conventional fossil-based jet fuel, SAF is produced using renewable raw materials.

Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced from renewable sources, including used cooking oil and waste animal fats. The fuel can significantly reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional aviation fuel.

SAF is currently approved for commercial aviation use when blended with conventional jet fuel at a maximum ratio of 50%. This certification allows airlines to introduce SAF without changing aircraft engines, airport fuel systems or existing aviation infrastructure.

The ability to work with current aviation technology makes SAF an important option for airlines seeking immediate emissions reductions while the industry continues developing future technologies.

Neste Expands SAF Production Capacity to Meet Growing Demand

Neste has continued investing in SAF production capacity to support increasing demand from airlines worldwide. The company currently has the capability to produce around 1.5 million metric tonnes of SAF annually, equivalent to approximately 515 million gallons.

Production capacity is expected to increase further in 2027 following the completion of an expansion project at Neste’s Rotterdam refinery. Once completed, global SAF production capability is projected to reach around 2.2 million metric tonnes annually, equal to approximately 750 million gallons.

The additional capacity is expected to strengthen the supply of renewable aviation fuel and support more airlines as they introduce SAF into their operations.

Neste and United Airlines are advancing greener travel by expanding sustainable aviation fuel supply at Chicago O’Hare and Amsterdam Schiphol, supporting lower-emission aviation operations across key global routes.

Global Aviation Moves Towards Lower Emission Travel

The extended partnership between Neste and United Airlines reflects the wider transformation taking place across the aviation sector. Airlines, airports and fuel producers are increasingly focusing on sustainable solutions to address emissions challenges while supporting continued global travel demand.

By expanding SAF availability at key airports in the United States and Europe, the agreement strengthens the role of renewable fuels in commercial aviation.

As production capacity grows and more airlines adopt sustainable fuel options, SAF is expected to remain a central part of aviation’s transition towards a lower-carbon future. The partnership between Neste and United Airlines represents a continued effort to make international air travel more sustainable while maintaining the connectivity that supports global tourism, business and economic growth.