NFL 49ers team up with United on SAF purchase
In joining United’s Eco-Skies Alliance, the 49ers are the first NFL team to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in an effort to reduce emissions
The San Francisco 49ers have become the first National Football League (NFL) team to reduce their carbon footprint via purchasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by signing up to the United Airlines’ Eco-Skies Alliance.
The purchase will help the team cover their game-related flights between San Francisco and Los Angeles this weekend.
“We are thrilled to join United’s Eco-Skies Alliance, and take this important step towards reducing our carbon footprint,” said Brent Schoeb, chief revenue and marketing officer for the 49ers. “As the first NFL team to invest in SAF, this is a meaningful part of our commitment to more sustainable practices, and we’re grateful to United for leading the way in this space.”
The 49ers boasts strong sustainability credentials including the LEED Gold certification of Levi’s Stadium and their involvement in the “Faithful to the Planet” project. The company said their partnership with United through the Eco-Skies Alliance will help reduce their aviation sector related emissions.
“SAF has the potential to be a powerful tool to help reduce carbon emissions from flying, but the industry is still in its infancy, supply is limited, and most people don’t know what it is,” said United CEO Scott Kirby.
“We’re proud to partner with like-minded organizations like the 49ers to demonstrate and elevate to a broader audience why it’s important to support real solutions like SAF.”
United Airlines has been a pioneer in the use of SAF. The airline was leading SAF user in the US during 2023. The airline’s commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 aligns with the 49ers‘ efforts to reduce their environmental impact.
United launched Eco-Skies Alliance programme in April 2021 and has collectively contributed toward the purchase of nearly 15m gallons of SAF.
With its up to 85% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel, the airline has helped reduce approximately 150,000 metric tons of GHG emissions, equivalent enough to fly passengers close to 1bn miles.