United Airlines has become the first airline to buy sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use at O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Governor JB Pritzker joined the airline’s leadership at ORD to highlight the role that Illinois’ SAF tax credits played in bringing sustainable aviation fuel to one of the largest airports in the U.S.
Neste, a sustainable aviation fuel producer, will provide up to 1 million gallons of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ to United at ORD in 2024, with the first supply arriving in August.
United was the first airline to set a goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on voluntary carbon offsets. The airline remains a U.S. industry leader in the purchase and use of SAF. In 2023, United purchased more sustainable fuel than any other U.S. airline, and the agreement with Neste makes O’Hare the fifth airport where United has purchased SAF for operational use—one of the most locations of any U.S. airline.
“Since day one as Governor, I’ve 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,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois’s position as a hub of innovation with some of the most connected airports in the country perfectly aligns with the work of companies like United to build a more sustainable future for travel and reach our shared goal of zero emissions.”
SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% on a lifecycle basis – from production to end use – because it is made from renewable materials rather than drilled fossil oil. SAF is one of aviation’s most viable and scalable options to drive the industry towards net zero emissions. This is partly because it can be used immediately with existing infrastructure – no changes to fuel systems or aircraft engines required.
“This is what happens when innovation, leadership and policy come together,” said United President Brett Hart, who was at ORD today with the Governor. “While the market for SAF is still in its infancy, there is a huge opportunity today for airlines and policymakers to work together to support its continued growth – SAF at O’Hare was made possible thanks to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Legislature passing tax incentives.”
United has now purchased Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, London, and Amsterdam.
“I’m pleased to see United Airlines making this significant move forward by using sustainable aviation fuel daily in flights from O’Hare,” U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) said. “One of the most important things we can do to make American aviation more sustainable is increase the supply of SAF. At the federal level, I’ve been pushing for the increased use of SAF, and I’m going to keep pushing to increase the supply of American-grown, American-made SAF, a true win-win solution that supports domestic farmers and blenders while reducing our nation’s carbon footprint.”