United Airline became first to fly first commercial aircraft

Saturday, December 4, 2021

United Airlines became the first airline ever to fly the first commercial aircraft with 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel in one of two engines. The Washington-bound plane took off from Chicago was powered by non-petroleum feedstocks, which, unlike petroleum, are made up of waste from agriculture, wood mills, and other resources.

Aviation history is cleared for takeoff. The world’s first passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is en route to @Reagan_Airport. One of United’s new Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, carrying 100 passengers, flew with 500 gallons of sustainable fuel in one engine and 500 gallons of regular jet fuel in the other. Sustainable aviation fuels offer the ability to match the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel while emitting a fraction of the CO2.

Today’s (Dec 1) SAF flight is not only a significant milestone for efforts to decarbonize our industry, but when combined with the surge in commitments to produce and purchase alternative fuels, they are demonstrating the scalable and impactful way companies can join together and play a role in addressing the biggest challenge of our lifetimes said the United CEO Scott Kirby.

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