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#Industry News

United collaborates with biotech firm to create new sustainable aviation fuel source

United Airlines through its corporate venture capital fund, United Airlines Ventures (UAV) and with Oxy Low Carbon Ventures (a subsidiary of Occidental) has announced a collaboration with Houston-based biotech firm Cemvita Factory. The intention is to commercialise the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) developed through a new process using carbon dioxide (CO2) and synthetic microbes.

United Airlines Ventures (UAV) was set up by the airline in 2021 “to invest in emerging companies that have the potential to influence the future of travel.” It has invested in SAF producers, carbon capture, hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft, and urban air mobility.

Together, UAV and OLCV will fund development work at Cemvita to convert carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons for SAF. If performance targets are achieved, UAV and OLCV plan to form a joint venture to commercialize the technology. This includes funding projects such as pilot and demo plants, engineering studies, financing construction and operating SAF plants.

Cemvita Factory uses synthetic biology to turn carbon dioxide into chemicals and alternative fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel. Cemvita is among the first to employ this technology to support heavy industry decarbonization and, find ways to use microbiology to turn carbon dioxide into fuel.

In December, United purchased an equity stake in hydrogen-electric engine developer ZeroAvia, becoming the largest airline to invest in zero-emission engines for regional aircraft.

Last year he airline (through UAV) also signed an agreement with Heart Aerospace to acquire 100 of its ES-19 aircraft, and in February of 2021 signed an agreement with sustainable air mobility firm Archer Aviation to accelerate the production of short-haul electric aircraft.

United.com

Details

  • Chicago, IL, USA
  • United Airlines