Press release
United Airlines Invests in Battery-Maker Natron Energy With Eye Toward Further Electrifying Ground Operations
Natron Energy's high-performance sodium-ion batteries outperform lithium-ion counterparts in power density, recharging speed, and safety United becomes the
About this update from United Airlines Holdings, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Natron Energy's high-performance sodium-ion batteries outperform lithium-ion counterparts in power density, recharging speed, and safety \nUnited becomes the first major airline to invest in a battery manufacturer, based on publicly announced investments \nCHICAGO, Nov. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced a strategic equity investment in Natron Energy, a battery manufacturer whose sodium-ion batteries have the potential to help United electrify its airport ground equipment like pushback tractors and operations at the gate. United has made substantial investments in companies developing technology to reduce aircraft emissions, but Natron is the first that has the potential to reduce the greenhouse gas footprint from United's ground operations.\n\"United Airlines Ventures was created to identify companies spearheading the next generation of innovative and emissions-reducing technology,\" said Michael Leskinen, President of United Airline Ventures. \"Out of the gate, we primarily focused on technology designed to help reduce carbon emissions from our airplanes. Natron's cutting-edge sodium-ion batteries presented an ideal opportunity to both potentially expand our sustainability investment portfolio to our ground operations, and to help make our airport operations more resilient. United is looking forward to future opportunities to work with our airport partners on sustainable technology initiatives.\"\nUnited has more than 12,000 pieces of motorized ground equipment across its operations, of which about one third are currently electric. Natron's batteries could potentially be deployed in support of a number of uses, including:\nCharging electric ground equipmentCharging anticipated future electric aircraft such as electric air taxisAllowing airport operations to manage electricity demandGreatly improving resiliency related to inclement weather\"Natron's sodium-ion batteries will help the aviation industry achieve its decarbonization and EV goals,\" said Colin Wessells, CEO of Natron Energy. \"Our batteries provide the high power over short distances that ground service equipment needs, and unlike lithium-ion, Natron's batteries are completely nonflammable and can be safely deployed into ground service operations.\"\nThe sodium-ion batteries contain several features that distinguish them from existing battery t...