Airline leaders met with White House to discuss greener fuels, carbon footprint, economic recovery

In Washington, D.C., American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and other airlines met virtually on Friday with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, National Economic Council Director Brian Deese, and National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy to discuss economic recovery, climate crisis, COVID-19, and safety protocols, with airlines urging The White House’s help on greener fuels.

United Chief Executive Scott Kirby made clear the carrier was fully committed to confronting the climate crisis and sought White House support for “incentives for sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture in the forthcoming economic stimulus proposal,” the airline said in a statement according to Reuters.

Secretary Buttigieg, NEC Director Deese, and National Climate Advisor McCarthy highlighted President Biden’s commitment to modernizing the transportation sector while taking bold and aggressive action to combat climate change, as well as the Administration’s plans to invest in American manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains, and create good-paying, union jobs across the transportation sector.

Secretary Buttigieg, NEC Director Deese, and National Climate Advisor McCarthy listened to airline leaders share their perspectives, insights, and priorities on the economic recovery and expressed the Administration’s commitment to building back the economy better while tackling the climate crisis. They were also grateful and optimistic to hear airline leaders share information about the industry’s ongoing and future efforts to address climate change, and they offered the Administration’s support to strengthen and advance the airlines’ climate goals.