Greener skies ahead for United

Delivering on its commitment to the environment remains a priority for United Airlines as it seeks "new and innovative" ways to enhance its green credentials.

In a new initiative under its Eco-Skies program, the airline’s MileagePlus members can redeem their miles for offsets to cover the carbon emissions associated with their air travel.

The new carbon-offset mileage-redemption program will support projects that benefit renewable wind-power generation and forest conservation with MileagePlus customers able to select from a list of United Eco-Skies partners when they opt to offset their emissions.

"Our customers know that when they travel on United, they are giving their business to a company with an environmental commitment that is focused on fuel efficiency, advancing biofuels, and looking for more sustainable products and services," managing director of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability Angela Foster-Rice said.

"This new MileagePlus carbon-offset program is another way we are providing our customers an opportunity to make a difference when they travel by contributing to emission-reducing projects."

Meanwhile, president and chief executive Jeff Smisek highlighted fuel as the Chicago-based carrier's single largest operating cost. As a result, it continues to focus on improving fuel efficiency and seeking out sustainable alternative fuels as part of the Eco-Skies program.

"Our efforts are working, and in 2013 we reduced CO2 emissions by by almost 830,000 metric tons and significantly reduced our fuel consumption," he wrote in this month's issue of Hemispheres.

Last year, the airline finalised a three-year agreement to purchase sustainable aviation biofuels from AltAir fuels, which will be used on flights out of Los Angeles from later this year.

"We're also making significant investments in a modern, fuel-efficient fleet to help reduce fuel consumption," Smisek said.

United was the first North American carrier to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner- renowned for being up to 20% more fuel efficient than other similarly-sized aircraft.

It has more than 270 aircraft on order, including 55 787s and 35 Airbus A350-1000s – also known for their fuel efficiency.

"In addition to our new aircraft order book, we recently became the first airline in the world to fly with the Split Scimitar winglet – an unrivalled winglet technology that cuts our fuel consumption and therefore reduces carbon emissions," Smisek continued.

Other environmentally-conscious initiatives being implemented by the airline include its InCycle insulated coffee cup made by Washington state-based company Microgreen. Made with up to 50% recycled materials, the cup itself is also recyclable.

Since 2006, the airline has recycled over 23.5 million pounds of aluminium, paper and plastic.