United Airlines became the first airline to purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for use at O’Hare International Airport (ORD), and Governor JB Pritzker joined the airline’s leadership at its Chicago hub to highlight Illinois’ SAF tax credit for its role in implementing SAF at one of the busiest passenger airports in the United States.
Neste, the manufacturer of SAF, will deliver up to 1 million gallons of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™2 to United Airlines at Chicago O’Hare in 2024, with the first delivery taking place in August.
United was the first airline to set a goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on voluntary carbon emissions and remains the U.S. industry leader in the procurement and use of SAF.
The airline purchased more sustainable fuel than any other U.S. carrier by 2023, and the agreement with Neste makes Chicago O’Hare the fifth airport United has purchased for SAF operations and the first deployment site among U.S. airlines.
“From day one as governor, I have been committed to making Illinois a national leader in sustainability and clean energy, which is why I was proud to support a nation-leading SAF tax credit last year. Illinois’ position as a hub of innovation with some of the most connected airports in the country aligns perfectly with the work of companies like United to build a more sustainable future for travel and achieve our shared goal of zero emissions,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
United has already acquired SAF for airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, London, and Amsterdam.
