CHICAGO — A Chicago-based airline will be the first to use sustainable aviation fuel at one of the city’s two airports.
All aircraft traveling to and from O’Hare International Airport will soon switch from normal jet fuel to a lower-carbon alternative.
“The state of Illinois and United are proud to be leading the way toward a sustainable future,” said Brett Hart, president of United.
Hart was joined by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and other state leaders to announce that the airline was becoming the first to acquire sustainable fuel, SAF, for use at O’Hare.
“It is made of renewable waste material and can emit 85% less carbon than conventional jet fuel,” Hart said.
SAF contains leftover fats, oils, and greases. It is intended to be more environmentally friendly and can be used in existing planes without requiring major changes to the structure or engines.
“It works with what we have, made from existing waste and renewable materials. It’s blended by current fuels used by systems already in place to make the aviation systems better and cleaner,” Don Harmon, Illinois Senate president, said.
“This is a testament to our commitment as a state to lead on climate change.” Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch, the Illinois House of Representatives speaker, added.
Airline leadership pointed to state tax incentives implemented last year as a critical factor in purchasing SAF. The Illinois SAF tax credit offers carriers a $1.50 per gallon.
“We need more innovators, so we’re inviting more innovators to Illinois to make sure that we’re meeting the need for SAF,” Pritzker said.
United has vowed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. SAF is considered crucial to this goal.
“Advancements like this one, which lowers costs, lowers emissions and improves our standard of living will ultimately make a difference in the fight against climate change,” Pritzker said.
By the end of the year, the airline expects to receive 1 million gallons of SAF at O’Hare from their supplier, Neste. The first shipment is scheduled to arrive next month.