United Airlines has significantly ramped up its deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) across three major US airport hubs, underscoring its unwavering commitment to achieving ambitious sustainability goals within the aviation sector. This strategic expansion, executed through its long-standing partnership with the Finnish energy company Neste, commenced in the summer of 2025. By integrating SAF into these critical operational centers, United became the inaugural commercial carrier to utilize this cleaner fuel source for flights departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C. This pioneering move sets a precedent for other major carriers operating in high-traffic corridors.
The introduction of the pure Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is being implemented in carefully managed stages across the new locations. Deliveries to IAH began in July 2025 and are scheduled to run until the close of October this year. Concurrently, the supply chain for EWR and IAD was activated in September 2025, with initial operations planned through the end of 2025. Crucially, the SAF operations at both Newark and Dulles are slated to continue into 2026, signaling a long-term commitment. The fuel is mixed with conventional jet fuel to ensure compliance with all technical and safety specifications.
Logistically, the delivery process is streamlined by utilizing the existing pipeline network, which originates directly from Neste’s terminal facilities located in Houston. This reliance on established infrastructure minimizes disruption and maximizes efficiency, demonstrating that the physical integration of SAF into major airport fueling systems is readily achievable.
This latest initiative builds upon United Airlines’ established track record of SAF adoption. The carrier has been utilizing Neste’s SAF at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) since August 2024, and also at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), where usage is actively supported by the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Last year alone, United consumed more than 4,300 metric tons of SAF—an amount equivalent to 13 million gallons—solidifying its position as the leading user of this alternative fuel source in the United States.
Executives from both organizations emphasized the critical necessity of governmental backing to foster market growth and ensure widespread adoption. Lauren Riley, United's Chief Sustainability Officer, acknowledged that while integrating SAF into these major hubs marks a significant milestone, sustained market expansion requires regulatory assistance in establishing robust market incentives. Carl Nyberg, Senior Vice President at Neste, echoed this sentiment, stressing the vital importance of implementing proven incentive mechanisms across more states to accelerate SAF production and achieve the industry's ambitious target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Looking at the broader picture, the United States has set an aggressive national objective: replacing 100% of domestic aviation fuel consumption with SAF by 2050. Neste, a key global player in renewable fuels, is simultaneously scaling up its capacity to meet future demand. The company currently boasts an impressive annual output of 1.5 million tons, which translates to approximately 515 million gallons. Furthermore, robust plans are already in place to boost this capacity significantly to 2.2 million tons by the close of 2027. The successful integration and expansion of SAF use at pivotal gateways like Houston, Newark, and Dulles clearly demonstrates the aviation sector's internal readiness and proactive stance toward achieving this transformative, low-carbon future.