Fund Key Metrics*
Active
Fund Status
~$200 Million
Fund Size ($USD)
Chicago, IL
Head Office
United Airlines
Parent Airline
2023
Year Fund Founded
Website
Contact Information
United Airlines Sustainable Flight Fund
Airline Sustainability Fund
Overview of United Airlines Sustainable Flight Fund
United Airlines has significantly enhanced its commitment to sustainability by expanding the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund (UAV Sustainable Flight Fund). This initiative, initially launched with over $100 million, has now grown to nearly $200 million, marking a substantial increase in investment power. The fund represents a collaborative effort between United Airlines and a diverse group of corporate partners, aiming to boost the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and support start-ups in this sector.
Consumer Engagement:
In a unique move, United Airlines has also involved its customers in this sustainability drive. Passengers have the option to contribute to the UAV Sustainable Flight Fund when booking flights. Since its inception, over 60,000 United customers have contributed more than $200,000, demonstrating significant consumer support for environmental initiatives.
Investment Focus:
Scaling SAF and New Technology Investments
United Airlines' strategy is centered on scaling the supply of SAF and investing in new technologies and advanced fuel sources. The fund prioritizes investments in:
New Technology and Advanced Fuel Sources: United is committed to investing in innovative technologies and diverse SAF feedstocks, including ethanol, animal byproducts, forestry and crop waste, and municipal waste. The focus is also on early-stage technologies like synthetic biology and power-to-liquids processes.
Proven Producers and Start-Ups: The UAV Sustainable Flight Fund aims to support proven SAF producers and start-ups, facilitating the scaling of the SAF industry. This includes investments in companies using a variety of ingredients and technologies to produce SAF.
Preferential Access to Environmental Attributes: Corporate partners in the fund have the potential to gain preferential access to environmental attributes associated with United's future supply of SAF, aligning corporate environmental goals with tangible outcomes.
*Last update: November 2023
Fund Key Partnerships
