In 2023, Delta Air Lines embarked on a determined mission to reshape the future of air travel with sustainability at its core. Delta’s roadmap, with a bold vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, revolves around two pivotal pillars: integrating sustainability into all aspects of operations and eradicating the environmental impact of flying.
Throughout the year, Delta has initiated a series of measures aimed at reaching its sustainability goals. A significant step was the return of Amelia DeLuca as Chief Sustainability Officer. Under her leadership, Delta joined as a founding member of a unique coalition dedicated to scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage – a key driver in reducing emissions.
Amelia DeLuca remarked, “Sustainability is a business imperative for Delta. Not only is it good for the planet and our communities, it’s also good for the business,” highlighting the dual benefits of sustainability in both environmental and business contexts.
Efforts Towards Carbon Reduction
The Carbon Council, comprising Delta leaders from various departments, spearheaded initiatives to save fuel. This cross-divisional collaboration led to saving over 20 million gallons of fuel in 2023 through measures like optimizing flight routing and reducing onboard weight.
Pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel Usage
Recognizing that about 90% of its carbon emissions come from jet fuel, Delta has intensified its focus on SAF. The airline is working to significantly increase its SAF usage in 2023, nearly doubling compared to 2022. Delta’s involvement in groups like Americans for Clean Aviation Fuels (ACAF) exemplifies its commitment to fostering a market for more sustainable and affordable fuels.
Innovations and Fleet Modernization
Delta’s strategy also includes embracing innovative technologies and modernizing its fleet. The airline is part of the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator program with Boeing and NASA, focusing on new aircraft designs that could reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%. Additionally, initiatives like the repair of 757 engine fan blades and drag reduction systems on certain aircraft models are part of Delta’s efforts to enhance fuel efficiency.
Progress Towards Fleet Efficiency
The replacement of older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models is a key aspect of Delta’s approach to net-zero emissions. In 2023, Delta retired its least fuel-efficient aircraft, the CRJ-200, and is on track to receive 43 next-generation aircraft, which are considerably more fuel-efficient.
Cultivating a Culture of Innovation
Delta actively participates in challenges and hosts events to encourage innovation in sustainable flight practices. Internal competitions and collaborations, such as the Sustainable Flight Challenge, have brought forward new ideas and solutions, contributing to the airline’s environmental objectives.
Waste Management and Paperless Operations
Delta has set an aspirational goal to divert 100% of waste from landfills by 2050, with various initiatives underway to minimize waste. Efforts include transitioning to compostable materials, optimizing recycling processes, and moving towards paperless operations at gates, saving millions of pages annually.
Partnering for Electric Air Travel
Delta’s partnership with Joby, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company, is another step towards sustainable air travel. Joby’s successful test flights in New York City mark a significant milestone in the adoption of electric air travel.
As Delta advances on its sustainability journey towards net-zero emissions, the airline remains committed to finding innovative ways to measure success and track progress. New initiatives and continuous efforts across all teams will play a vital role in achieving Delta’s decarbonization goals.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
