On April 13, 2021, Chicago-based United Airlines announced it would partner up with several global companies to purchase more low-carbon, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), in a move towards more sustainable aviation in 2021.
“Working with the airline, more than a dozen leading global corporations will collectively contribute towards the purchase of approximately 3.4 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) this year,” read United Airlines statement.
According to the airline, 3.4 million gallons of low carbon fuel derived from trash, would be enough to eliminate approximately 31,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and enough to carry customers over 220 million miles (354 million kilometers).
The American airline named 11 global partners, such as Nike, Siemens, or Palantir that would participate in the Eco-Skies Alliance program launch. However, it has not disclosed how much each company would contribute to the sustainability program. All global companies that would partner with United have corporate or cargo deals with the carrier.
In addition to the new sustainability program, United Airlines created a separate platform for customers to contribute funds for additional sustainable fuel purchases that would later be used by the airline.
United Airlines has pledged to become 100% green by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050. In order to make it happen, United agreed to invest $1 billion in short-haul electric planes on February 10, 2021.