• The 49ers become the first NFL team to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce game-related flight emissions.
• SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85%, and United leads the U.S. industry in SAF adoption.
• This partnership aligns with both the 49ers’ sustainability goals and United’s efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

United Airlines and the San Francisco 49ers have teamed up to reduce carbon emissions from air travel by launching a pilot project using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The 49ers are the first NFL team to purchase SAF, covering their upcoming game-related flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

SAF, made from renewable materials rather than oil, has the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% across its lifecycle. United’s SAF is third-party certified for sustainability and carbon intensity. The airline remains a U.S. leader in SAF adoption, having purchased more sustainable fuel than any other U.S. airline in 2023. United has also blended SAF at multiple airports, including San Francisco International Airport.

“SAF has the potential to be a powerful tool to help reduce carbon emissions from flying, but the industry is still in its infancy,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “We’re proud to partner with like-minded organizations like the 49ers to demonstrate… why it’s important to support real solutions like SAF.“

The 49ers have a long history of sustainability efforts, including Levi’s® Stadium becoming the first professional football stadium to achieve LEED Gold certification. United is also a founding partner of the team’s “Faithful to the Planet” initiative, aimed at reducing pollution and promoting environmental stewardship.

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“We are thrilled to join United’s Eco-Skies Alliance and take this important step towards reducing our carbon footprint,” said Brent Schoeb, 49ers Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer. “As the first NFL team to invest in SAF, this is a meaningful part of our commitment to more sustainable practices.“

United aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 without relying on voluntary carbon offsets, leading the industry with innovative steps like SAF.