United Airlines has announced the launch of a new Eco-Skies Alliance programme, as part of its ambitions to lead the aviation industry towards a more sustainable future.
The new alliance will see more than a dozen leading global corporations collectively contribute towards the purchase of approximately 3.4 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) this year – enough to eliminate approximately 31,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or enough to fly passengers over 220 million miles.
Among the inaugural participants in the alliance are Autodes, Boston Consulting Group, CEVA Logistics, Deloitte, DHL Global Forwarding, DSV Panalpina, HP Inc., Nike, Palantir, Siemens, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. They will aim to reduce their aviation-related impact on the environment at the source, and create demand for more SAF production.
“While we’ve partnered with companies for years to help them offset their flight emissions, we applaud those participating in the Eco-Skies Alliance for recognising the need to go beyond carbon offsets and support SAF-powered flying, which will lead to more affordable supply and ultimately, lower emissions,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “This is just the beginning. Our goal is to add more companies to the Eco-Skies Alliance programme, purchase more SAF and work across industries to find other innovative paths towards decarbonisation.”
Sustainable fuel (made from renewable resources and waste byproducts) is one of the most effective ways we can be 100% green, carbon-neutral by 2050.
Meet the Eco-Skies Alliance, a program to buy enough sustainable fuel to fly over 2️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ million miles. https://t.co/9oatED1EVH pic.twitter.com/zbD3re2EhG
— United Airlines (@united) April 13, 2021
United Airlines claims to have made the airline industry’s single largest investment in SAF following its $30 million equity investment in US-based alternative fuels developer Fulcrum BioEnergy back in 2015. Additionally, World Energy, a long-term partner of United, will supply the SAF to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), making it accessible to United’s operations.
In addition to the Eco-Skies Alliance programme, United is giving customers the ability to contribute funds for additional SAF purchase or for use on initiatives United believes will help decarbonise aviation. The new capability is available via a dedicated portal on united.com/ecoskiesalliance.
