Rajan Wilcox
United Airlines has been taking several initiatives to reduce its fuel consumption and use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In 2018, the airline saved 170,000 gallons of fuel by switching to lighter paper for its inflight magazines and seatback service guides. In 2016, United Airlines became the first airline to fly on commercial-scale biofuels procured from AltAir Fuels, which are produced from sustainable feedstocks such as non-edible natural oils and agricultural waste. The airline has also expanded its use of SAF to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport in 2022 and to other airports in subsequent years. United Airlines' environmental strategy focuses on operational fuel efficiency initiatives and investments in sustainably produced, low-carbon alternative fuels. The airline industry's global emissions are expected to rapidly increase over the next few years, and with planes being challenging to decarbonize, United's initiatives towards reducing fuel consumption and using sustainable fuels are significant steps towards addressing this issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel saving by using lighter paper on in-flight magazines | 170,000 gallons |
| Fuel saving by stopping on-board sales of duty-free items | 1.4 million gallons |
| Fuel saving by removing all passengers | Not mentioned |
| Fuel used by all U.S. airlines in 2021 | 13.8 billion gallons |
| Highest amount of fuel used by U.S. airlines | 18.43 billion gallons in 2007 |
| First airline to use biofuel | United Airlines |
| Date of first biofuel-powered flight | 11 March 2016 |
| Percentage of biofuel used in the first biofuel-powered flight | 40% |
| Type of biofuel used | Solajet, an algae-derived renewable jet fuel |
| Percentage of reduction in carbon dioxide emissions | 60% |
| Amount of biofuel purchased from AltAir | 15 million gallons |
| Time period of the contract with AltAir | 3 years |
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What You'll Learn
United Airlines' use of biofuels
United Airlines has been making efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in and using biofuels. In 2016, United Airlines became the first airline in the world to fly on commercial-scale biofuels on a continuous basis, procured from AltAir Fuels. This fuel was produced from sustainable feedstocks such as non-edible natural oils and agricultural waste. United Airlines agreed to purchase up to 15 million US gallons (57 million litres) of sustainable alternative fuel from AltAir Fuels for use in Los Angeles over a three-year period.
United Airlines has also invested $30 million in Fulcrum Bioenergy, which has developed a way to convert household garbage into fuel. This partnership provides the airline with the opportunity to purchase at least 90 million gallons of renewable jet fuel per year and co-develop biorefineries in at least five locations across the US.
The airline has also made other changes to reduce fuel consumption, such as switching to lighter paper for its seatback service guides and in-flight magazines, saving 170,000 gallons of fuel a year. In 2011, United Airlines also became paperless in its flight decks, with pilots using iPads instead of paper operating manuals, navigation charts and reference handbooks, reducing weight and improving efficiency.
United Airlines has also expanded its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to overseas airports, including Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, San Francisco International Airport, London Heathrow, Chicago O'Hare, and Los Angeles International Airport. In 2015, United operated the first passenger flight using 100% SAF, departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
The use of biofuels allows airlines to reduce emissions without having to upgrade engines or other aspects of aircraft design. Honeywell UOP's technology, used at the AltAir refinery, can utilise a range of sources, from used cooking oil to algae. The technology has been in development since 2007 when the company received a grant from DARPA to develop green jet fuel.
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Fuel efficiency initiatives
United Airlines has implemented several fuel efficiency initiatives as part of its environmental strategy, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiency.
One notable initiative is the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). United Airlines was the first airline to fly on commercial-scale quantities of sustainable fuels on a continuous basis, partnering with AltAir Fuels in 2016. This fuel, produced from sustainable feedstocks such as non-edible natural oils and agricultural waste, is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 60% compared to traditional jet fuel. United has committed to purchasing up to 57 million liters of this alternative fuel for use in Los Angeles over three years. The airline has since expanded its use of SAF to other airports, including Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and London Heathrow.
United Airlines is also addressing the environmental impact of contrails, the thin clouds formed by water vapor in aircraft exhaust that contribute to atmospheric warming. The airline is exploring ways to mitigate this effect through improved flight planning and operational efficiencies.
Additionally, United has implemented weight reduction strategies, such as using lighter paper for its inflight magazines and seatback service guides, resulting in an annual savings of 170,000 gallons of fuel. The airline has also discontinued onboard sales of duty-free items, further reducing weight and saving 1.4 million gallons of fuel annually.
United Airlines is committed to long-term sustainability and has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The airline actively promotes sustainable travel options and collaborates with various initiatives, such as the Eco-Skies Alliance and the Sustainable Flight Fund, to drive the adoption of low-carbon technologies and sustainable aviation fuel.
Through these fuel efficiency initiatives and investments in sustainably produced fuels, United Airlines is striving to reduce its environmental impact and shape the future of sustainable aviation.
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Sustainable alternative fuels
United Airlines has been making efforts to adopt sustainable alternative fuels. In 2016, United became the first airline in the world to fly on commercial-scale quantities of sustainable fuels on a continuous basis, procured from AltAir Fuels. This fuel was produced from sustainable feedstocks such as non-edible natural oils and agricultural waste, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 60% compared to traditional jet fuel. United agreed to purchase up to 57 million liters of this sustainable alternative fuel for use in Los Angeles over three years.
United Airlines has also expanded its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in recent years. SAF is a broad category of lower-carbon fuels made from biomass, such as cornstalks and forest residuals, as well as hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide. SAF is primarily derived from used cooking oil and animal fat waste. In 2022, United became the first US airline to purchase sustainable jet fuel overseas, beginning its use at San Francisco International Airport and London Heathrow in 2023, and at Chicago O'Hare and Los Angeles International Airport in 2024. United Airlines has also invested in a $100 million fund to support the development and use of jet fuel that produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
United's efforts to adopt SAF have been met with challenges due to the higher cost and limited supply of these fuels. Additionally, regulations like the ASTM D7566 standard restrict the use of SAF blends to no more than 50% to ensure compatibility with existing jet infrastructure. Despite these challenges, United remains committed to reducing its environmental impact. For example, in 2018, the airline saved 170,000 gallons of fuel by using lighter paper on its inflight magazines and seatback service guides.
United Airlines' adoption of SAF and its initiatives to reduce fuel consumption demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. While the use of sustainable alternative fuels in the aviation industry is still in its nascent stage, United is leading the way toward a more sustainable future for air travel.
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Fuel consumption in 2021
In 2021, United Airlines consumed just over 2.7 billion gallons of fuel, a 36% increase compared to 2020. In the same year, the average fuel cost per gallon for the airline was $1.98, a slight decrease from $2 in 2019. In total, United Airlines spent $8.9 billion on aircraft fuel in 2021, accounting for approximately 23% of its $38.9 billion in expenses that year.
Fuel costs represent a significant portion of airlines' expenses. In 2021, the coronavirus pandemic caused a decrease in air travel demand, resulting in a reduction in fuel consumption by US airlines. Overall, US airlines consumed 13.78 billion gallons of fuel in 2021, a 24.6% decrease from 2019 before the pandemic. The average fuel cost per gallon for US airlines in 2021 was $1.98, slightly lower than the $2 average in 2019. In total, US airlines spent $27.2 billion on fuel in 2021, a decrease of 25.3% from $36.5 billion in 2019.
The decrease in fuel consumption and expenditure by US airlines in 2021 can be attributed to the pandemic's impact on the aviation industry. The reduction in air travel demand and flight operations led to lower fuel usage. Additionally, the average fuel cost per gallon decreased slightly in 2021 compared to 2019, contributing to the overall reduction in fuel expenditure for US airlines.
While the consumption of airline fuel in the United States had been increasing before the pandemic, it has not surpassed the levels observed prior to the 2008 recession. The highest fuel consumption recorded by US airlines was 18.43 billion gallons in 2007. The impact of the pandemic on fuel consumption and costs for airlines was significant, and the industry has been working towards recovery and adapting to fluctuating fuel prices and demand.
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Cost savings from reduced fuel usage
United Airlines has implemented several initiatives to reduce its fuel usage and associated costs. One notable initiative is the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biofuels. In 2016, United Airlines became the first airline to fly on commercial-scale quantities of sustainable fuels on a continuous basis, sourced from AltAir Fuels. This fuel is produced from sustainable feedstocks, such as non-edible natural oils and agricultural waste, and is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 60% compared to traditional jet fuel. United has also expanded its use of SAF to various airports worldwide, including Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and London Heathrow.
Another initiative is the use of lighter materials, such as switching to lighter paper for its inflight magazines and seatback service guides. This slight weight reduction saves the airline 170,000 gallons of fuel annually, resulting in cost savings of $290,000. Additionally, United stopped onboard sales of duty-free items, further reducing fuel consumption by 1.4 million gallons per year and saving $2.3 million in fuel costs.
United Airlines has also invested in technology to improve fuel efficiency. In 2011, they introduced paperless flight decks by providing pilots with iPads, replacing approximately 38 pounds of paper manuals and charts. This not only reduces fuel consumption but also enhances operational efficiency and safety by ensuring pilots have access to the most up-to-date information. Furthermore, United agreed to replace the Blended Winglets on its Boeing 737NG aircraft with Aviation Partners Boeing's Split Scimitar Winglets, significantly reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
These initiatives demonstrate United Airlines' commitment to reducing fuel usage and its environmental impact. By adopting sustainable fuels, lightweight materials, and technology-driven solutions, the airline has achieved significant cost savings and contributed to the global effort to decarbonize the aviation industry.
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Frequently asked questions
United Airlines has not publicly disclosed its total fuel consumption. However, it is known that in 2018, the airline saved 170,000 gallons of fuel by using lighter paper for its inflight magazines and seatback service guides.
United Airlines has been using biofuels for its flights since 2016, becoming the first airline to fly on commercial-scale quantities of sustainable fuels. The airline sources its biofuel from AltAir Fuels, which produces renewable jet fuel using sustainable feedstocks such as non-edible natural oils and agricultural waste.
Aside from using lighter paper for its inflight materials, United Airlines has also implemented other initiatives to reduce fuel consumption. For example, the airline discontinued onboard sales of duty-free items, resulting in a reduction of 1.4 million gallons of fuel annually. Additionally, the airline has adopted Split Scimitar Winglets on its Boeing 737NG aircraft, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
In 2021, US airlines consumed a total of 13.8 billion gallons of fuel, with the highest consumption recorded in 2007 at 18.43 billion gallons. While United Airlines' exact fuel usage is unknown, it is a significant contributor to the overall fuel consumption of US airlines.
Recognizing the environmental impact of aviation, United Airlines has focused its environmental strategy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of biofuels is a key initiative, with the airline claiming that biofuels can reduce emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional jet fuel. Additionally, United Airlines was the first airline to fly on commercial-scale quantities of sustainable fuels, and it has committed to purchasing up to 15 million gallons of biofuel over a three-year period.
