United Airlines is fueling the future of sustainable aviation with a new investment in Twelve, a California-based cleantech firm that transforms captured CO2 into low-carbon jet fuel. Announced on May 6, 2025, the deal through United’s Sustainable Flight Fund aims to scale up sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, cutting aviation’s carbon footprint while meeting rising demand for eco-friendly travel.

Turning CO2 into Jet Fuel

Founded in 2015, Twelve uses a process akin to industrial photosynthesis, combining captured CO2, water, and renewable energy to produce its E-Jet SAF. Unlike conventional jet fuel, which drives 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, Twelve’s SAF could slash lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. The process, powered by renewable electricity, yields water and oxygen as byproducts, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil-based fuels.

“We’re building a realistic path to carbon-neutral aviation,” said Nicholas Flanders, Twelve’s co-founder and CEO.

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AirPlant One: A Milestone in SAF Production

The investment supports Twelve’s first SAF facility, AirPlant One, in Moses Lake, Washington, set to start production in 2025. With a capacity of 50,000 gallons annually, the plant marks a key step toward commercializing SAF. This follows Twelve’s $83 million Series C funding round and a 14-year contract to supply 260 million gallons of SAF to a major European airline group, signaling strong market demand.

United’s Sustainable Flight Fund

United’s investment comes via its Sustainable Flight Fund, launched in 2023 with over $200 million from partners like Boeing, Google, and Air Canada. The fund targets startups advancing SAF, electric aircraft, and other green technologies.

“Scaling SAF is the biggest hurdle to making low-carbon fuels more affordable,” said Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures.

He praised Twelve’s fundraising success and contracts, which position it to grow rapidly. United aims for net-zero emissions by 2050 without carbon offsets, with SAF as a cornerstone.

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Why It Matters?

Aviation faces intense pressure to decarbonize, with global emissions expected to surpass 2019 levels in 2025. SAF, which can reduce emissions by up to 85% and work with existing aircraft, is critical. Yet, in 2023, SAF accounted for just 0.2% of aviation fuel due to high costs and limited supply. Twelve’s technology, using abundant CO2 and renewable energy, avoids competition with food crops or land, unlike bio-based SAF. The International Energy Agency notes that SAF demand could grow 30% annually through 2030, driven by policies like the EU’s ReFuelEU mandates.

Looking Ahead

Twelve’s AirPlant One is just the start. With United’s backing and plans to scale production, the company aims to make SAF a mainstream fuel by 2026. Consumer support is strong—83% of travelers are willing to pay more for sustainable options, per a 2024 PwC survey. As United and Twelve push for a greener aviation future, their partnership could redefine how the industry tackles climate change, one flight at a time.

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