![\"United](\"https:\/\/travindy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/the-plane-gb0478c3f7_1280.jpg\")
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U<\/span>nited Airlines has operated a commercial flight 100% powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in what it described as a \u201csignificant milestone\u201d<\/em> for the sector.<\/p>\n More than 100 passengers travelled on United\u2019s demonstration flight from Chicago\u2019s O\u2019Hare International airport to Washington DC\u2019s Reagan National yesterday (December 1).<\/p>\n SAF is an alternative fuel made with non-petroleum feedstocks<\/strong>, but it is not 100% carbon-free. It is widely accepted to be aviation\u2019s best chance at reducing emissions in the near term.<\/p>\n The Boeing 737 MAX 8 had 500 gallons of SAF in one engine and the same amount of conventional jet fuel in the other engine in order to prove there are no operational differences between the two.<\/p>\n Currently, airlines are only permitted to use a maximum of 50% SAF on board.<\/p>\n United says it has signed agreements to purchase nearly twice as much SAF as the known agreements of all other global airlines combined. It notes that the US Department of Energy believes America\u2019s feedstock resources are enough to meet the projected fuel demand of the country\u2019s entire aviation industry. The SAF used on the demonstration flight is \u201cdrop-in ready\u201d, meaning it is compatible with existing aircraft.<\/p>\n