United Airlines invests in biofuel refinery

United Airlines is investing in a Next Renewable Fuels biofuel refinery through its corporate venture capital fund. 

The Houston-based company is developing a refinery capable of producing up to 50.000 barrels per day of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for aircraft, as well as renewable diesel and other fuels. The investments in NEXT could amount to up to 37,5 million US dollars, as the carrier announced in a broadcast.

“The lack of infrastructure for efficient transport of sustainable fuel is currently one of the biggest obstacles to increasing SAF's offering while reducing costs. Next's strategic location and facilities solve this problem and serve as a model for more facilities of this type that we may need in the future,” said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures.