An NFL First: 49ers and United Airlines Launch SAF Pilot Project to Reduce Carbon Emissions from Air Travel

Rhea-AI Summary

United Airlines and the San Francisco 49ers have announced a groundbreaking partnership, making the 49ers the first NFL team to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This initiative, part of United's Eco-Skies Alliance, aims to reduce carbon emissions from air travel. The 49ers have purchased enough SAF to cover their game-related flying from San Francisco to Los Angeles for an upcoming Sunday game.

SAF, an alternative to conventional jet fuel, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% on a lifecycle basis. United Airlines, committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on voluntary carbon offsets, leads the U.S. industry in SAF purchase and use. The partnership aligns with the 49ers' history of environmental stewardship, including their LEED Gold certified Levi's® Stadium and participation in the 'Faithful to the Planet' initiative.

Positive

• United Airlines leads U.S. industry in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) purchase and use
• Partnership with 49ers may increase awareness and adoption of SAF in sports industry
• Alignment with United's goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on voluntary carbon offsets

Negative

• SAF industry is still in its infancy with supply
• Potential higher costs associated with SAF compared to conventional jet fuel

News Market Reaction

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+0.61% News Effect

On the day this news was published, UAL gained 0.61%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

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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

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- United and the San Francisco 49ers announced today that the team has become the first in the NFL to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). As an initial step toward addressing emissions concerns, the team has purchased enough SAF to cover its game-related flying on United from San Francisco to Los Angeles this Sunday.

SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% on a lifecycle basis – from production to end use – because it is made from renewable materials rather than oil. United's SAF is certified by an independent third-party as meeting several sustainability criteria, including its carbon intensity.

United was the first airline to create a goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050, without relying on voluntary carbon offsets, and remains a U.S. industry leader in the purchase and use of SAF. The airline purchased more sustainable fuel than any U.S. airline in 2023 and has used a blend of SAF at five airports in the U.S. and Europe including San Francisco International Airport – among the most locations of any U.S. airline.

"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."

The 49ers have a strong history of leading community-based initiatives and environmental stewardship in San Francisco. Levi's® Stadium was the first United States professional football stadium to have achieved a LEED Gold certification, and its solar panels generate enough energy to power every 49ers home game. United was also a founding partner of the 49ers' "Faithful to the Planet" initiative, a charitable project led by the 49ers and several corporate partners to fund programs that reduce pollution in the oceans, and plant and protect new trees.

"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."

About United's Eco-Skies Alliance

As a result of purchasing SAF, the 49ers joined United's Eco-Skies Alliance^SM, an innovative program designed for participating companies to work together to share the "green premium" or the cost associated with purchasing lower emission fuels – SAF is 2x to 4x more expensive than traditional jet fuel.

The Eco-Skies Alliance program was launched in April 2021 and has collectively contributed toward the purchase of nearly 15 million gallons of SAF. With its up to 85% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel, this is enough SAF to reduce approximately 150,000 metric tons of GHG emissions, or enough to fly passengers close to 1 billion miles.

About United

At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".

About the San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers, owned by the York family, currently play in the NFC West division and have won five Super Bowl trophies including Super Bowl XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV and XXIX. The franchise also has eight conference championships and 22 divisional championships and was the first major league professional sports team to be based in San Francisco over 75 years ago. Please visit 49ers.com and follow the 49ers on Facebook and Twitter @49ers.

Forward-Looking Statements and Other Important Information

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to, among other things, plans and projections regarding the company's environmental, social or governance (ESG) goals, targets, commitments, strategies and initiatives and related business and stakeholder impacts. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on historical performance and current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future financial results, plans, objectives, goals, targets, commitments, strategies and initiatives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, known or unknown, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, plans, objectives, goals, targets, commitments, strategies and initiatives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, any failure to meet stated ESG goals, targets, commitments, strategies and initiatives in the time frame expected or at all as a result of many factors, including changing societal, market, competitive, regulatory or stakeholder expectations, and any delay or failure of any project to be fully developed or become operational or to produce sustainable aviation fuel or other ESG-related product in the amounts contemplated or at all. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect United's business and market, particularly those identified in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" sections in United's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Risks and uncertainties related to United's environmental compliance, climate commitments and climate strategy are further described in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of United's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023—"We are subject to many forms of environmental regulation and liability as well as risks associated with climate change and may incur substantial costs as a result. In addition, failure to achieve or demonstrate progress towards our climate goals may expose us to liability and reputational harm."

The statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release and except as otherwise required by applicable law or regulation, United Airlines undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. In particular, United Airlines reserves the right to change, amend, supplement or abandon some or all of the statements regarding goals, targets, commitments, strategies, initiatives, intentions and other statements from time to time without notice.

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SOURCE United Airlines

FAQ

What is the significance of the 49ers purchasing sustainable aviation fuel from United Airlines (UAL)?

The San Francisco 49ers have become the first NFL team to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from United Airlines, marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in sports-related air travel. This partnership sets a precedent for other teams and organizations to follow in addressing their environmental impact.

How much can sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) reduce greenhouse gas emissions for United Airlines (UAL) flights?

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel. This significant reduction is due to SAF being made from renewable materials rather than oil, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative for United Airlines flights.

What is United Airlines' (UAL) goal regarding greenhouse gas emissions?

United Airlines has set a goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on voluntary carbon offsets. This ambitious target positions United as a leader in the airline industry's efforts to combat climate change and reduce its environmental impact.

How does the 49ers' partnership with United Airlines (UAL) for SAF relate to their other environmental initiatives?

The 49ers' partnership with United Airlines for SAF aligns with their existing environmental initiatives. These include operating the LEED Gold certified Levi's® Stadium, using solar panels to power home games, and participating in the 'Faithful to the Planet' initiative, which focuses on reducing ocean pollution and protecting trees.