United Airlines is taking proactive steps towards reducing its carbon footprint by investing in direct air capture (DAC) technology through the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund. The fund recently backed Heirloom, a company specializing in measurable carbon reduction technology. This investment is part of United's broader approach to decarbonization in aviation, aiming to meet its net zero emissions target by 2050. The United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund, supported by a coalition of corporate partners, has over $200 million in commitments. This fund is dedicated to fostering startups focused on decarbonizing the aviation sector, with a specific emphasis on profitable solutions. Andrew Chang, the head of UAV, highlighted the importance of Heirloom's technology in achieving United's sustainability goals. Heirloom's DAC technology is a promising avenue for carbon capture, as it utilizes limestone to extract CO2 directly from the atmosphere. This approach presents a scalable and commercially viable method for reducing carbon emissions, especially in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Heirloom's strategy also includes combining DAC with green hydrogen to develop SAF, creating a circular carbon flow that maximizes the reuse of atmospheric carbon. As the aviation industry advances towards net zero emissions, DAC will play a crucial role in both SAF production and handling residual emissions. Heirloom's innovative approach aligns with the broader industry shift towards sustainable practices and carbon neutrality.