United Airlines sign 8m gallon SAF offtake deal with Phillips 66

Phillips 66 and United Airlines have signed an agreement for the supply of 8m gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to the airline at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

“We are excited to continue our collaboration with United Airlines to advance its lower-carbon goals and explore ways to benefit all segments of the aviation industry,” said Brian Mandell, executive vice president, Marketing and Commercial, Phillips 66.

“Building on our legacy as a leading conventional jet fuel supplier, providing 10% of the fuel volumes nationwide, we are dedicated to offering additional fuel options to our customers.”

Phillips 66 will initially supply 3m gallons of SAF to United Airlines for use at ORD, with the potential to increase this to 8m gallons by the first half of 2025.

The partnership will also see Phillips 66 deliver an initial 600,000 gallons of SAF to United Airlines at LAX by the end of 2024.

Phillips 66’s said it stands to benefit from the Illinois SAF tax credit due to its extensive commercial and logistical capabilities, including blending hubs in the state.

United has significantly increased SAF usage in its flights over the last two years. The airline recently onboarded San Francisco 49ers, the first National Football League (NFL) team to reduce their carbon footprint via SAF, to their Eco-Skies Alliance.

The companies said that the agreement was made possible due to tax credits passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law in 2023 by Governor Pritzker.

“Illinois is committed to building a clean energy economy, and as part of that commitment, our state has been a national leader in incentivizing the use of SAF. This new contract with Phillips 66 will no doubt solidify United’s status as a clean energy trailblazer—both in our state and across the nation—and I’m proud that Illinois’ largest airport will be a partner in that work,” said Governor JB Pritzker.