Is United’s aggressive approach to sustainability a model for the industry?

Sustainability In The Air

Welcome to the holiday edition of Sustainability in the Air, the world’s #1 podcast on sustainable aviation. Over the next couple of weeks, we will bring to you some of the finest conversations from our archives and add context based on the latest updates from the companies featured.

First up is our episode with Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, an airline that continues to set new standards in terms of their sustainability commitments and efforts. Since our episode with them—incidentally one of our earliest—they’ve made a number of major announcements that are worth noting.

While we cover these developments in a new introduction to the episode, here’s what you can expect from the episode itself: Kirby highlights United’s commitment to net-zero emissions, focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), sustainable technology investments, and carbon sequestration over traditional carbon offsets. He points out the limitations of tree planting as a carbon offset method and advocates for direct carbon removal from the atmosphere.

United leads in SAF usage, despite its current high cost and scarcity, and is working on making it more viable through United’s Eco-Skies alliance and government support. Kirby also touches on United Ventures’ efforts in electrifying short-haul flights and a partnership with Boom for a SAF-powered supersonic airliner.

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, who discusses the airline’s commitment to net zero, and the overarching BA Better World sustainability strategy. Check it out here.

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to [e-mail]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

United’s sustainable flight fund grows to nearly US$200 million - Hydrocarbon Engineering

United Airlines inks deal to buy 1B gallons of SAF - PhocusWire

United Airlines Invests in Electric Power Systems to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation Initiatives - SME

Boeing, NASA, United Airlines To Test SAF Benefits with Air-to-Air Flights - Boeing

United, Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn announce integrated ticket agreement - Airport Technology

Airlines should prioritise storytelling, not statements, on sustainability - Flight Global

British Airways’ route to sustainability with BA Better World - SimpliFlying