United Airlines Sustainable Aviation Fund surpasses $200 million

United Airlines Sustainable Flight Fund reaches an astonishing $200 million, a first-of-its-kind collaboration to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) growth and production. Did. The fund currently has 22 partners including Air New Zealand, Embraer, Google, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking and Technip.

The cooperation of these companies is part of the aviation supply chain, from airlines to aircraft manufacturers, fuel producers and financiers. These 22 organizations are currently committing more than $200 million to this movement and providing strategic expertise to help commercialize our members’ reach.

Photo: United Airlines

The venture, first established in February 2023, is the only venture of its kind in the aviation sector. The company aims to expand its partner base to include start-ups advancing raw material and technology development to increase the global supply of sustainable aviation fuel.

Consumers can participate every day.

Regular passengers can also jump into the initiative, and those who book through the United.com website or United app have the option to donate to the UAV Sustainable Flight Fund at the time of booking. Eager bookers can choose an amount from $1, $3.50, or $7. Since launching online, he has had over 115,000 travelers donate his $500,000 in the past 12 months.

Photo: Denver International Airport

SAF appears to be the best alternative to conventional jet fuel. It would reduce greenhouse gases and emissions, to which the aviation industry contributes significantly. United Airlines has shown significant commitment to investing in his SAF, more than any other airline, and was already aiming to support future production of up to 5 billion gallons. Andrew Chan, managing director of United Airlines Ventures, reiterated this in the airline’s media statement.

“SAF is the best tool we have to decarbonize aviation, but it’s not enough. To create the fuel supply needed for aircraft, United Airlines has to build an entirely new industry from scratch. As part of our efforts to build a new sustainable aviation ecosystem, we have brought on a group of partners with industry expertise to provide both financial and strategic capital. We supported startups and helped them navigate the entire process from start to finish. From ideation to commercialization.”

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Travelers’ contributions make a big difference.

Some may think $3.50 is insignificant, but if 152 million passengers (the number of travelers who flew exclusively on United Airlines in 2022) donated the recommended $3.50, , enough funding would be raised to support the production of 40 billion gallons of SAF per year.

Photo: United Airlines

Star Alliance airlines are committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, a 100% reduction by 2050, and will not rely on carbon offsets. The company has already launched its SAF purchasing program, Eco Skies Alliance, which will invest in companies and technology companies working to decarbonize the aviation sector.