United Airlines Sets New Standard In Sustainable Aviation Fuel By Expanding Green Operations Across Major U.S. Airports For A Cleaner Future

Published on October 25, 2025

United Airlines is leading the charge in transforming the aviation industry by expanding its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across key airports in the United States. This groundbreaking initiative, which includes major hubs like Houston George Bush Intercontinental, Newark Liberty International, and Washington Dulles International, marks a pivotal moment in the airline’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. By incorporating SAF, a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel, United Airlines is not only setting a new industry standard but also actively contributing to the global efforts to combat climate change. This move aligns with the airline’s broader sustainability goals, ensuring a greener future for air travel while addressing the rising demand for environmentally responsible aviation solutions.

In the summer of 2025, United Airlines (UA) teamed up with Neste to introduce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at three major US airports: Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). This collaboration marks the first time an airline has operated SAF flights from all three of these hubs.

This expansion builds on the success of United’s previous SAF initiatives at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), where Neste has been supplying the fuel since 2024. While the SAF contract at IAH runs until the end of this month, EWR and IAD are set to continue SAF operations into 2026.

United & Neste: A Growing Partnership

Neste’s SAF supply to United began at O’Hare in August 2024, with SFO also benefitting from the renewable fuel over the past year. In California, the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) has been instrumental in supporting the use of SAF, providing incentives to airlines and helping offset costs for suppliers.

United Airlines is now a leader in SAF usage in the United States, having consumed 4,300 metric tons (roughly 13 million gallons) of SAF last year alone. This progress is pivotal in reducing aviation’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, which accounts for 2-3% of total emissions worldwide.

The Importance of SAF in the Aviation Industry

The World Economic Forum reports that the global commercial aviation industry uses around 4.3 billion gallons of jet fuel annually. Although 13 million gallons is a small fraction, it’s a significant step toward reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. Lauren Riley, United’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized the importance of this expansion in a recent Neste press release, highlighting the role SAF plays in aviation’s long-term sustainability goals.

Making SAF a Reality: From Waste to Fuel

Neste’s MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a blend of conventional jet fuel and renewable raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. This blend can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% when used unblended. However, SAF comes at a much higher cost than traditional jet fuel, making it crucial for governments to provide incentives to boost adoption.

Currently, SAF can be up to five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. Despite this, United has been committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and believes SAF is a better environmental option than carbon offsets. The airline has long maintained that widespread SAF availability would create significant demand in the industry.

Neste’s Growing Role in SAF Production

United’s “Good Leads The Way” campaign champions SAF as part of the airline’s broader sustainability strategy. However, the global supply of SAF remains a major challenge, and partnerships like that between United and Neste are helping to lower costs and increase production. Neste is currently capable of producing 1.5 million tons (approximately 515 million gallons) of SAF annually, with projections to increase this to 2.2 million tons (750 million gallons) by 2027.

Using waste materials as raw ingredients for SAF is crucial but also in high demand by other industries. Additionally, producing these materials for SAF refinement incurs extra costs, further driving up the price.

United Airlines is taking a bold step towards a greener future by expanding its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at major U.S. airports. This initiative is a crucial part of the airline’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and setting new standards for eco-friendly air travel.

The Path Forward

United Airlines is leading the charge in promoting SAF as a key solution to reducing aviation emissions. By pushing for greater government support and industry-wide adoption, the airline aims to make SAF more accessible and affordable, helping to accelerate mass production and ultimately reduce the aviation sector’s environmental impact.