Corn farmers and the ethanol industry were recognized by Illinois Governor J.B Pritzker and United Airlines as a sustainable partner in lowering the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.
During a press conference, the airline announced it is the first company to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. United’s one million gallons of SAF will begin arriving at O’Hare in August.
"Since day one as Governor, I've committed to making Illinois a national leader in sustainability and clean energy, which is why I was proud to support a nation-leading SAF tax credit last year," said Governor JB Pritzker in a press release. "Illinois's position as a hub of innovation with some of the most connected airports in the country perfectly aligns with the work of companies like United to build a more sustainable future for travel and reach our shared goal of zero emissions."
In 2020, United pledged to reduce 100% of the company’s carbon emissions by 2050.
“I am excited to see United and our state’s leadership recognize the environmental and economic benefits corn offers our transportation sector,” Victoria farmer and IL Corn Growers Association President Dave Rylander said. “The SAF market will lower carbon emissions and has the opportunity to deliver the economic impact that will rejuvenate rural America.”
The ethanol-to-jet process allows corn to serve as a low carbon feedstock for SAF production. SAF made of corn is molecularly identical to petroleum jet fuel. Corn-based SAF can reduce carbon emissions by over 50% when compared to conventional aviation fuel.
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