United Airlines said it recently became the first US airline to sign an international purchase agreement for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The Chicago-based airline signed a new purchase agreement with Finland-based Neste to provide United the right to buy up to 52.5 million gallons of SAF over the next three years for United flights at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, and potentially other airports as well.

SAF purchase in the next 3 years

"Reducing carbon emissions from fuel is the fastest way United will reach our 100% green goal by 2050. As the airline that has invested more than any other airline in sustainable aviation fuel production, it makes sense to expand our network of partners internationally with a leading company like Neste," said Lauren Riley, United's chief sustainability officer, noting that the demand from customers to limit their emissions from flying is "growing exponentially."

Neste will provide United with 2.5 million gallons of SAF in Amsterdam in the first year. United will also have the right to purchase up to 20 million gallons in the second year, and up to 30 million gallons in the third year, at Amsterdam or other locations that Neste can supply throughout the globe, as Neste increases its SAF production. 

This supply agreement is enabled by Neste's ambitious growth strategy, which will see the company producing 515 million gallons of SAF (1.5 million metric tons) per year by the end of 2023.

United noted that Neste has been producing and delivering SAF since 2011 and has a proven track record of supplying SAF to customers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

"We're excited to be partnering with United in this milestone purchase agreement and make our SAF available to United, also an industry leader in SAF investments," said Thorsten Lange, executive vice president, Renewable Aviation at Neste.

"Our global, fast-growing SAF production and supply chain supports airlines and their customers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Neste is committed to helping aviation transition to a more sustainable future, and we look forward to expanding our cooperation with United."

SAF delivers the performance of conventional jet fuel but with a significantly smaller carbon footprint on a lifecycle basis. Neste's SAF reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel and burns cleaner than conventional jet fuel reducing non-CO₂ emissions, including particulate matter (PM).

Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ is produced from 100% sustainably sourced renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste.

United noted that it has aggressively pursued strategic investments in SAF producers and revolutionary technologies including carbon capture, hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft, and urban air mobility. United has invested in more SAF production than any other airline globally.