- United Airlines direct emissions surged 20% in 2023, totalling 38,138,662 metric tonnes, partly due to the lingering effects of COVID-19.
- Despite achieving an “A-” CDP score and other accolades, United must cut emissions by 4% annually between 2020 and 2025 to stay within its emissions budget.
- United plans to purchase 800 energy-efficient aircraft by 2032 and emphasises the need for new engine designs and sustainable aviation fuels to meet its net-zero goals.
United Airlines has made significant strides in its environmental strategy. The Chicago-based carrier committed to carbon neutrality in 2018, becoming the first US airline. It boasts an “A-” score from CDP and a validated climate plan from the Science-Based Targets initiative. Fast Company named it one of the Most Innovative Companies.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. In 2023, United’s direct emissions reached 38,138,662 metric tonnes, a 20% increase from the previous year. The lingering effects of COVID-19 in 2022 partly explain this rise, but the overall trend raises concerns.
Climate Arc’s new TransitionArc tool shows that United exceeded its emissions budget between 2021 and 2035. The airline needs to cut emissions by 4% annually between 2020 and 2025 to stay on course.
Lauren Riley, United’s chief sustainability officer, addresses these issues. Her strategy includes operational efficiencies, policy incentives, new propulsion technologies, and fleet renewal. Innovation anchors this strategy. Despite all available sustainability solutions, United still falls short of its net-zero goals.
United focuses on energy-efficient aeroplanes. Under the Next United initiative, the airline plans to purchase 800 new aircraft between 2023 and 2032. This aims to reduce emissions per passenger seat by 20%. However, more is needed, given the expected 40% increase in global air travel by the decade’s end.
With 95.6% of United’s direct carbon emissions coming from conventional jet fuel, Riley emphasises the need for new engines, airframe designs, and sustainable aviation fuels. “We have significant expectations around new engine and airframe designs,” Riley says. “But we need energy-dense liquid fuels for our mainline operations, which require sustainable aviation fuels.”
United’s environmental journey has seen notable successes, but substantial challenges lie ahead. Balancing growth and sustainability remains a complex task. Innovation will be crucial as the airline navigates toward its ambitious environmental goals.