United Airlines investing in sustainable aviation fuel startup Cemtiva: Travel Weekly

United Airlines wants to reach net-zero emissions without the use of carbon offsets. The photo is from United Airlines.

The venture capital arm of United Airlines will invest in a Houston-based startup that is trying to convert carbon dioxide into sustainable aviation fuel.

The size of United's investment was not revealed.

United, which has set an ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 without the use carbon offsets, is collaborating with a subsidiary of a major oil company.

The companies said they will fund the work at the startup. If performance targets are met, OLCV and United Airlines will form a joint venture to bring the technology to market.

Funding projects include pilot and demo plants, engineering studies, financing construction and operating SAF plants.

United is partnering with many companies to support green aviation projects.

The carrier has invested in ZeroAvia, a hydrogen-electric engine developer that is working to develop zero-emission engines for regional aircraft.

United invested in 1PointFive, which is a subsidiary of Occidental. It has options to purchase up to 2.4 billion gallons of fuel from Adler Fuels and Fulcrum BioEnergy.

The lifespan emissions of jet fuel are estimated to decrease by 20%.

United is investing in a start-up for sustainable aviation fuel.