Neste provides sustainable aviation fuel to United Airlines for use at Chicago O’Hare International Airport in the U.S.

Neste Corporation, News, 31 July 2024

Neste will provide up to 1 million gallons (3,000 metric tons) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ to United Airlines for use at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in the U.S. through the end of 2024. This expansion of the existing partnership between the two companies enables United to become the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for operational use for flights from Chicago O’Hare, one of the busiest airports in the U.S.

The first supply of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel blended with conventional jet fuel will arrive at Chicago O’Hare Airport via pipeline in August from Neste’s newly-commissioned SAF terminal capacity in Houston, which expands the availability of Neste’s SAF to airlines that operate at airports east of the Rocky Mountains all the way to the East Coast.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with United and see our SAF being used at one of the major airports in the U.S. It underlines our commitment to supporting the U.S. aviation industry in its efforts to decarbonize and shows the important role that policy supports like the federal SAF 40B credit and the Illinois’ SAF Purchase Credit play in accelerating SAF usage. We continue supporting United’s roadmap to achieve its emission goals and look forward to expanding our cooperation at other airports across the globe,” said Alexander Kueper, Vice President, Renewable Aviation Business at Neste.

“This is what happens when innovation, leadership and policy come together,” said United President Brett Hart, who was at ORD today with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. “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.”

Illinois SAF Purchase Credit
In 2023, Illinois introduced a SAF purchase credit for every gallon of SAF sold to or used by an air carrier in the state. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Illinois ranked fifth in the nation for jet fuel consumption in 2022. The new tax credit positions Illinois at the forefront of encouraging SAF adoption.

The delivery of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to United at ORD builds on Neste’s long-term partnership with the airline. In 2022, Neste announced the supply of 2.5 million gallons (7,500 metric tons) of SAF to United at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands, followed by another announcement in 2023 of providing 1.5 million gallons (4,500 metric tons) of SAF to fuel all of United’s departing flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). 

Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to using conventional jet fuel. Neste’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. SAF is certified for commercial use and can currently be blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuel before use and works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure. 

*) When used in neat form (i.e. unblended) and calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology

Further information: Please contact Neste's media service, tel. +358 800 94025 / media@neste.com (weekdays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. EET). Please subscribe to Neste’s releases at https://www.neste.com/for-media/releases-and-news/subscribe. 

Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) uses science and innovative technology to transform waste and other resources into renewable fuels and circular raw materials. The company creates solutions for combating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. Being the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel and a forerunner in developing renewable and circular feedstock solutions for polymers and chemicals, the company aims to help its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030.

The company’s ambition is to make the Porvoo oil refinery in Finland the most sustainable refinery in Europe. Neste is committed to reaching carbon-neutral production by 2035, and will reduce the carbon emission intensity of sold products by 50% by 2040. Neste has also set high standards for biodiversity, human rights and the supply chain. The company has consistently been included in the CDP and the Global 100 lists of the world’s most sustainable companies. In 2023, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 22.9 billion. Read more: neste.com

About United

At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".