With the environment increasingly under the microscope, United Airlines stands alone as the only USA flag carrier to utilize biofuel.
     Perhaps overlooked in the general rush of things on June 5th was United’s Flight for the Planet, the most eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of aviation, as World Environment Day was celebrated everywhere.

United Makes Airline History

     June 5, 2019 was also the day United became the first airline in the world to demonstrate all of the following key actions on a single commercial flight: utilization of sustainable aviation biofuel; zero cabin waste efforts; carbon offsetting; and operational efficiencies.

Eco Los Angeles Since 2016

     The flight departed from gate B12 at United's hometown hub of Chicago O'Hare for its "eco-hub" in Los Angeles, where sustainable aviation biofuel has helped power all the airline's flights from the Southern California hub since 2016.
     United has said that it intends to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2050.

Sustainable Aviation Biofuel

     United has powered the Flight for the Planet using a 30/70 blend of low-carbon, sustainable aviation fuel provided by Boston-based World Energy, and traditional jet fuel.
     The biofuel alone achieves a greater than 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to traditional jet fuel, and using biofuel is one of the most effective ways an airline can reduce its impact on the environment.

The One & Only

     United recently renewed its contract with World Energy, agreeing to purchase up to 10 million gallons of cost-competitive, sustainable aviation biofuel over the next two years.
     United was the first airline globally to use sustainable aviation biofuel on a continuous basis and the only airline in the United States to currently do so.
     “United's Flight for the Planet represents yet another innovative initiative the airline has undertaken to reduce its overall footprint and further ensure its reputation as the world's most environmentally conscious airlines,” the carrier said.

United Effort Moves The World

     Several of United's most significant environmental achievements include:
     •   Becoming the first airline globally to use sustainable aviation biofuel on a continuous basis, marking a significant milestone in the industry by moving beyond test programs and demonstrations to the everyday use of low-carbon fuel in ongoing operations.
     •   Investing more than $30 million in California-based sustainable aviation fuels producer Fulcrum BioEnergy, which remains the single largest investment by any airline globally in sustainable fuels.
United's agreement to purchase nearly 1 billion gallons from Fulcrum BioEnergy is the largest offtake agreement for biofuel in the airline industry.
     •   Becoming the first airline to fly with Boeing's Split Scimitar winglets, which reduce fuel consumption by an additional 2 percent versus standard winglets; United is the largest Scimitar winglet operator today, with nearly 400 aircraft equipped with these winglets.
     •   Becoming the first U.S. airline to repurpose items from the carrier's international premium cabin amenity kits and partnering with Clean the World to donate hygiene products to those in critical need.

Also United For The Birds

     United is partnering with Audubon International to protect raptors – including hawks, owls and kestrels – in and around United's hubs and resettle the birds of prey at habitats where the species are more likely to thrive.
     For more information on United's commitment to environmental sustainability, visit united.com/ecoskies.


     To view more on Eco-Skies, click here.