United Airlines partners with Phillips 66 for sustainable aviation fuel supply

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United Airlines partners with Phillips 66 for sustainable aviation fuel supply

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Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Dec 7, 2024

United Airlines has entered into a new agreement with Phillips 66 to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. The deal, announced on December 7, 2024, involves at least 3.6 million gallons of SAF, with potential to increase up to 8 million gallons.

The allocation includes an initial delivery of 3 million gallons for Chicago O'Hare, which could rise by the first half of 2025, and an initial delivery of 600,000 gallons for Los Angeles by the end of 2024. Brian Mandell from Phillips 66 emphasized their commitment to offering diverse fuel options: "Building on our legacy as a leading conventional jet fuel supplier... we are dedicated to offering additional fuel options to our customers."

United's efforts in sustainable aviation have been supported by the Illinois Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchase Credit program and similar initiatives in Colorado, California, and Washington. In August, United received its first SAF shipment at Chicago O'Hare under an agreement with Neste.

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California is pushing towards increasing SAF consumption significantly by 2035 through agreements like those between Airlines for America and the California Air Resources Board.

United Airlines Ventures' Sustainable Flight Fund has secured over $200 million in investments aimed at scaling sustainable fuel use. Additionally, United founded the SAF Coalition comprising more than 40 airlines and stakeholders. The airline aims for net-zero emissions by 2050 but acknowledges that currently only a small fraction of its fuel consumption is sustainable.

Despite these challenges, United remains a leading investor in SAF within the US market since testing began in 2009 and using it for scheduled flights since 2016. The airline offers passengers carbon-friendly flight options and opportunities to contribute financially towards sustainability efforts.

Phillips 66 utilizes waste fats and oils for SAF production with significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional jet fuels. This makes SAF a viable immediate solution compatible with current aircraft technology.