The Sudanese Armed Forces are at the heart of the Southeast Asia strategy
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a key component of United Cargo’s strategy in the Asia Pacific region, providing customers direct access through Eco-Skies Alliance agreements and support for emissions reporting and Scope 3 compliance
United is investing in SAF production and related technologies through United Airlines Ventures while integrating sustainability across operations, including recycling programs, trucking emissions tracking, and ESG-compliant partnerships.
Expansion of the physical network in Southeast Asia and North Asia complements sustainability efforts, with new non-stop services to Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Australia, supporting growing demand for semiconductors, electronics, perishables and AI-related goods while integrating SAF into customers’ supply chains.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is no longer a speculative solution, but is now a strategic proposition. For United Cargo, expanding access to the SAF is not a side initiative, but the backbone of its business and environmental approach in the Asia-Pacific region.
As shipping volumes in the region rise and regulatory pressures increase, United is prioritizing SAF engagement with Southeast Asian shipping companies. “Our main priority is expanding access to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the most effective tool available today to reduce aviation emissions,” United Cargo told Air Cargo Week.
United’s sustainability proposition to its customer base in the Asia-Pacific region is based on operational levers, not vague goals. “Through United’s Eco-Skies alliance, we give customers based in the Asia-Pacific region the opportunity to directly participate in SAF procurement in both annual and multi-year agreements, allowing them to embed low-carbon solutions into their supply chains.”
This direct purchasing model reflects growing demand from logistics buyers facing more stringent emissions reporting and Scope 3 requirements. In parallel, United supports production for the SAF itself. “At the same time, United Airlines Ventures, our venture fund, is investing in innovative SAF products and technologies, helping to ensure that today’s commitments also build the future supplies our industry needs.”
Reaching the SAF is just one part of a broader emissions strategy that is now an integral part of the shipping business. “United Shipping has launched a dedicated Sustainability Group to drive progress across our operations. This team works to foster a culture of continuous improvement, advance initiatives such as recycling programs, integrate trucking emissions into our reporting, and integrate ESG requirements into our partnerships.”
The airline’s sustainability lens is practical and infrastructure-focused. “Our approach is both practical and forward-looking: scaling proven solutions like SAF and emissions transparency, while developing the culture, partnerships and digital tools that will define the next generation of sustainable goods.”
Southeast Asia network gains
United’s investments in sustainability come as its physical footprint expands in Southeast Asia. The carrier is re-entering key offline markets and doubling down on existing markets. “United continues its expansion in Southeast Asia by introducing new and additional nonstop services to destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam and increasing its presence in the Philippines,” said Mirko Renver, Vice President of Cargo, Asia Pacific – United Airlines.
“United is now resuming direct flights to Vietnam and Thailand, transitioning from offline. Additionally, we are doubling our capacity with two daily flights to Manila, Philippines.”
Growth is not limited to Southeast Asia. “In Australia, United will launch a new flight to Adelaide from San Francisco on December 11, 2025,” the airline confirmed. At the same time, capacity is being adjusted across developed North Asian markets: “The focus remains on strengthening connectivity within Asia, and ensuring appropriate capacity is allocated to key markets such as Japan, where greater demand requires increased capacity.”
This expansion complements strong revenue performance across the region. “In 2025, United Cargo revenues are up 3.8 percent year-over-year. The Asia-Pacific region is a big driver of this increase with the growth the airline has seen throughout the Pacific region.”
The intensification of personalized service reflects changing shipping and demand patterns. “Regardless of size or potential shipment, the United Network ensures representation and operations within the region.”
Shifting freight mix, rising ESG standards
The shipping profile in the region is also evolving. “Key drivers of demand in the Asia-Pacific region include semiconductors, automotive hardware, electronics, apparel, perishables and, more recently, a lot of artificial intelligence products,” Renfer said.
These sectors, which are often under pressure from investors to decarbonise, are likely to see increasing alignment with SAF-based logistics solutions – especially as international reporting frameworks tighten. United’s bid is geared toward this transition, offering to reduce emissions not just through operations, but through SAF production.
This approach may set United apart in an industry where many carriers still treat the SAF as a long-term goal rather than one that can be achieved in the near term. By mobilizing SAF’s reach to Asia Pacific customers, investing in production, and integrating ESG tracking into trucking and partnerships,
