Addressing Your Carbon Emission Footprint with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Discover how to address your air freight emissions by partnering with United to support the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
United’s Approach to Advancing Sustainability Efforts in Air Freight
United is committed to supporting more sustainable practices through innovation, including the use of SAF in our operations. The SAF used by United has up to 85% lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than regular jet fuel when its full lifecycle is considered — from production to delivery to its use at the airport. However, this does not mean the current use of SAF reduces our overall carbon footprint by 85% as it is 0.1% of our overall fuel.
Beyond using SAF to support our sustainability efforts, we are also updating our fleet and optimizing our logistics to further reduce our carbon footprint. These practices help us strive to our goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
United’s Approach to Advancing Sustainability Efforts in Air Freight
United is committed to supporting more sustainable practices through innovation, including the use of SAF in our operations. The SAF used by United has up to 85% lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than regular jet fuel when its full lifecycle is considered — from production to delivery to its use at the airport. However, this does not mean the current use of SAF reduces our overall carbon footprint by 85% as it is 0.1% of our overall fuel.
Beyond using SAF to support our sustainability efforts, we are also updating our fleet and optimizing our logistics to further reduce our carbon footprint. These practices help us strive to our goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
United Eco-Skies Alliance
Our Eco-Skies Alliance partners with corporate customers to promote sustainable aviation via SAF, reducing their environmental impact. Read more about Eco-Skies Alliance here.
A Legacy of Sustainable Partnerships
Our partnerships with leading environmental organizations, innovators, and industry stakeholders have been instrumental in driving our progress.
United has improved its sustainability practices through various industry collaborations and initiatives:
- Participation in driving industry standards: United has been involved in developing standards like the Global Business Travel Association’s Sustainable Procurement Standards.
- Engagement with climate initiatives: The company submitted to the Science Based Target Initiative’s Call for Evidence on the Efficacy of Market Based Measures, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
- Air freight investment: reinforced our dedication to abating air freight emissions.
United Sustainable Solutions FAQs
Latest United Sustainability News
- 3/28/2025
United Cargo and SEKO Logistics Elevate with Sustainable Aviation Fuel
At United Cargo, our commitment to sustainability is evolving every day. We are proud to announce a significant step forward as SEKO Logistics joins forces with us through a multi-million-dollar investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—one of our largest purchases to date.Read more - 12/5/2024
Phillips 66 and United Airlines sign sustainable aviation fuel supply agreement
Phillips 66 and United Airlines have signed an agreement under which Phillips 66 will supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to United Airlines at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), helping advance lower-carbon fuels in Illinois and California.Read more
* Traditional carbon offsets refer to carbon credits generated through the avoidance and/or reduction of CO2 emissions that would have otherwise occurred outside a company’s value chain. Traditional carbon offsets do not include certificates conveying the attributes of renewable energy or sustainable aviation fuel, or credits related to the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere.
For further information about our environmental impact, review United's Corporate Responsibility Report and Annual Report on Form 10-K, available at www.united.com/en/us/fly/company/responsibility/our-environmental-commitment.html and www.ir.united.com.
Eco-Skies Alliance and the Eco-Skies Alliance Logo are trademarks of United Airlines, Inc. related to its customer SAF purchase program.