United Airlines Invests in Algae-Based SAF Producer

The technology would convert water-based plants into sustainable aviation fuel.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 01:34 PM ET

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According to aviation insurance provider Allianz Commercial, airlines will contribute approximately 35 percent of the premiums, while general aviation is expected to account for 47 percent in 2024. [Courtesy: United Airlines]

Key Takeaways:

United Airlines is investing $5 million in Viridos to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from bioengineered microalgae.
This algae-based SAF is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 70% over its lifecycle and offers a scalable, resource-efficient feedstock that doesn't compete with food or land resources, as it can be grown in saltwater.
The investment is part of United's larger commitment, including its UAV Sustainable Flight Fund, to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through pioneering SAF production and technology.

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United Airlines is expanding its commitment to “going green” by investing $5 million into technology that will convert microalgae into sustainable aviation fuel.

As part of the investment, which is part of United’s recently announced UAV Sustainable Flight Fund, the airline is partnering with Viridos, a biofuel company that specializes in the bioengineering of microalgae to accelerate the amount of oil that can be produced from it. This oil is used to create SAF.