United Airlines, World Energy renew biojet fuel supply contract

United Airlines announced May 22 that it renewed a biojet fuel supply contract with World Energy, which will deliver up to 10 million gallons of aviation biofuel over the next two years. United Airlines uses the biofuel in every flight departing its Los Angeles hub.

The contract renewal follows United Airlines’ original purchase agreement in 2013 with Paramount, California-based AltAir Fuels, the production assets of which World Energy acquired in March 2018. World Energy announced in October a $350 million investment to complete conversion of the plant, a former petroleum oil refinery, bringing annual biofuel production capacity onsite from 40 million to more than 300 million gallons.

United Airlines says it made history in 2016 when it became the only airline in the world to use biojet fuel on a continuous basis. United also says it is the only U.S. airline to use biofuel in its regular operations.

“Great companies lead,” said Gene Gebolys, founder and CEO of World Energy. “We are honored to renew our commitment to United to advance their efforts to drive change to a lower-carbon future.”

Scott Kirby, president of United Airlines, said investing in biojet fuel is one of the most effective measures a commercial airline can take to reduce its impact on the environment. “As leaders in this space, United and World Energy are setting an example for the industry on how innovators can work together to bring our customers, colleagues and communities toward a more sustainable future.”