Neste to raise SAF capacity to 2.2 mln tons in 2027, extend United Airlines deal

27 / 09 / 2026

By Marwa Nassar - -

Neste is set to raise its global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production capacity to 2.2 million metric tons, or about 750 million gallons, in 2027, while extending its existing SAF supply agreement with United Airlines for flights departing Chicago O’Hare International Airport in the US and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands.

Under the extended agreement, Neste began SAF deliveries to United Airlines at Amsterdam in June 2026, continuing through August, while deliveries to Chicago O’Hare started in July and are planned to continue through June 2027.

Neste will supply its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel, blended with conventional jet fuel, for United Airlines’ flights departing from the two airports.

United Airlines expands SAF use:

United Airlines used more than 83,000 metric tons of SAF in 2025, equivalent to around 27.7 million gallons, marking a 104% increase from the previous year, according to publicly available reports.

The airline also expanded SAF use to three additional hubs — Newark, Washington, D.C., and Houston — bringing its SAF use to six of its seven domestic hubs.

At Chicago O’Hare, United Airlines became the first airline to purchase and use blended SAF in August 2024. O’Hare is the airline’s largest hub by daily departures and one of its key global gateways.

In Amsterdam, United Airlines has used Neste MY SAF at Schiphol since 2022.

Neste boosts global SAF capacity:

Neste currently has global SAF production capacity of 1.5 million metric tons, or around 515 million gallons, annually.

The capacity is expected to reach 2.2 million metric tons, or about 750 million gallons, in 2027 following the completion of the expansion of Neste’s Rotterdam refinery.

Neste Senior Vice President, Commercial, Renewable Products Carl Nyberg said the extended agreement covering two international airports reflects the companies’ shared focus on the role of SAF in reducing aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

United Airlines Chief Sustainability Officer Lauren Riley said the airline’s experience with blended SAF in regular operations has demonstrated its ability to be used at scale, while continued cooperation with Neste across the two continents reflects a shared view that SAF is available and scalable.

SAF offers alternative to fossil jet fuel:

Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced from renewable raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste, and is an alternative to fossil-based jet fuel.

SAF is certified for commercial use when blended with up to 50% conventional jet fuel and can be used with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.