United Airlines, officially known as United Air Lines, Inc., is a prominent player in the air transport services industry, headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1926, the airline has evolved significantly, establishing itself as a major carrier with a vast operational network across North America, Asia, Europe, and beyond.
United Airlines offers a comprehensive range of services, including passenger and cargo transport, with a focus on customer experience and operational efficiency. Its unique MileagePlus loyalty programme and extensive route offerings set it apart in a competitive market.
Recognised for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, United Airlines has achieved notable milestones, including being one of the first airlines to introduce a comprehensive carbon offset programme. With a strong market position, it continues to be a leader in the aviation sector, dedicated to connecting people and communities worldwide.
+37 vs industry average
United Airlines’s score of 54 is higher than 74% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Air Transport is among the most carbon-intensive industries
Industry performance
The Air Transport industry has reduced its overall emissions by 30% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2027
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
United Airlines's reported carbon emissions
United Airlines, a US-based air transport services provider, reported a total of 52.2 billion kg CO2e in 2024. This figure comprises approximately 38.5 billion kg CO2e from Scope 1 emissions, around 134.5 million kg CO2e from Scope 2, and roughly 13.6 billion kg CO2e from Scope 3. In the preceding year, 2023, the company's total emissions were approximately 49.4 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 36.6 billion kg CO2e, Scope 2 at approximately 144 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at roughly 12.7 billion kg CO2e.
United Airlines has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, striving for carbon neutrality. This long-term goal includes a commitment to advancing the sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) market and investing in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. For a mid-term objective, the company aims to reduce its carbon intensity by 50% by 2035, compared to 2019 levels, across Scope 1, Scope 2, and upstream Scope 3 emissions, specifically targeting jet fuel. Additionally, United Airlines has a near-term goal to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030, and to bring its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to near zero by the middle of the current decade.
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United Airlines’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
5 goals2030
30% reduction in Scope 2
We will reduce our Scope 2 emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
No scope 3 category breakdown has been disclosed yet.
Climate initiatives

Science Based Targets Initiative

Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Common questions about United Airlines’s sustainability data and climate commitments
Data year: 2024
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