United Airlines is going even greener, by committing $40 million toward a new investment focused on accelerating the development of sustainable aviation fuels and other decarbonisation technologies.
The carrier, which earlier this year agreed to purchase up to 10 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel over the next two years, will look to collaborate with other environmentally conscious partners on this extraordinary initiative.
READ: MAKING HISTORY: United Airlines flies most eco-friendly flight of its kind
Among all airlines around the world, United holds more than 50% of all publicly announced purchase commitments to using sustainable aviation fuels and is the only U.S. carrier to currently use this fuel on a continuous basis.
Oh, and the airline has also launched a delicious new Vegan menu to complement these awesome environmental changes.
A Commitment to the Environment
United’s latest commitment, along with its pledge to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, represents yet another leadership position the airline has undertaken to reduce its impact on the environment.
Several of United’s most significant environmental achievements include:
- Becoming the first airline to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel in regular operations 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 option to purchase, subject to availability, nearly 1 billion gallons from Fulcrum BioEnergy is the largest offtake agreement for sustainable aviation fuel in the airline industry.
- Operating the Flight for the Planet last June, which represented the most-eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of commercial aviation.
- 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.
- Eliminating non-recyclable plastic stirring sticks and cocktail picks on aircraft and replacing them with a more environmentally friendly product made of 100% bamboo.
- Continuing to replace its eligible ground equipment with cleaner, electrically powered alternatives, with 40% of the fleet converted to date.
“We aspire to be the airline leading the revolution to fight climate change, and this new initiative will further empower us to reduce our impact on the environment and fly towards a more sustainable future.”
Scott Kirby, United Airlines president
The Vegan menu – coming 2020
United Airlines also recently announced its Flight Plan 2020, a strategy for next year which includes the addition of new planet-based in-flight meal options.
The airline states that it has been keeping up with evolving food trends and listening to customer feedback regarding what they really want, and these food-savvy travellers want vegan options.
This year, the airline started offering new gluten-free meal options. Next year, one of its primary focuses will be adding delicious plant-based food to the menu; such as red beet hummus with roasted veg, roasted curry cauliflower and vegan stuffed grape leaf with dolma infused yogurt.
YUM. YUM. YUM.
Click here for more information on United’s commitment to environmental sustainability.