United Airlines targets to reduce 100% of GHG by 2050

US carrier United Airlines has committed to mitigating its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 100% by 2050.

The airline’s pledge is an advancement to its previous commitment made in 2018 to cut GHG emissions by 50% by 2050.

As part of the latest commitment, United plans to make a multimillion-dollar investment in 1PointFive, a joint undertaking between Oxy Low Carbon Ventures and Rusheen Capital Management.

1PointFive will leverage Carbon Engineering-licensed Direct Air Capture technology to physically remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air.

The carrier will also continue to invest in the development and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

United chief executive officer Scott Kirby said: “As the leader of one of the world’s largest airlines, I recognise our responsibility in contributing to fight climate change, as well as our responsibility to solve it.

“These game-changing technologies will significantly reduce our emissions, and measurably reduce the speed of climate change – because buying carbon offsets alone is just not enough.

“Perhaps most importantly, we’re not just doing it to meet our own sustainability goal; we’re doing it to drive the positive change our entire industry requires so that every airline can eventually join us and do the same.”

The announcement has made United the first airline to invest in Direct Air Capture technology.

In February, US carrier Delta pledged to become carbon neutral by committing $1bn in the next ten years to remove all emissions from its global business.