Editor's note: Delta outlined a roadmap to more sustainable travel on March 7, 2023 that details the airline's strategy for achieving net-zero emissions and more sustainable travel by 2050.

Article

Sustainability

A ‘business imperative’: Delta outlines roadmap to more sustainable travel

Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer Pam Fletcher outlines the company’s bold strategy for achieving net zero-emissions and more sustainable travel by 2050, including scaling the sustainable fuel market, innovating for the fleet of the future, addressing single-use plastics and encouraging net-zero supply chains. INTERACTIVE | Path to sustainability

Hydrogen power has great potential to speed air travel toward net zero carbon emissions, a future that could be accelerated thanks to a new agreement between Delta and Airbus. As part of its Flight to Net Zero^SM plan to scale and advance sustainable technologies, Delta has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to become the first U.S.-based airline to collaborate with Airbus on the research and development of hydrogen-powered aircraft and the ecosystem required to make the transition.

Article

Sustainability

Delta joins coalitions driving net-zero future

Bolstering its commitment to a future of net-zero aviation, Delta is joining three key coalitions of investors, suppliers, competitors and industry champions to drive real impact for the planet.

“To pull the future of sustainable aviation forward, we need to accelerate the development and commercialization of potentially disruptive technologies,” said Pam Fletcher, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “Hydrogen fuel is an exciting concept that has the potential to redefine the status quo. These tangible steps lay the groundwork for the next generation of aviation.”

Under the agreement, Delta will provide the expertise of its people to identify fleet and network expectations, and the operational and infrastructure requirements needed to develop commercial aircrafts powered by hydrogen fuel. The areas of focus will be:

• Aircraft Concept: Exploring the technical and economic viability of hydrogen-fueled aircraft, identifying the pathway for introduction into Delta’s fleet and operations, as well as the aircraft’s potential performance in Delta’s fleet. That includes identifying challenges such as flight range limits, refueling time and airport compatibility.
• Aviation Ecosystem: Assessing the infrastructure that will be needed to develop green hydrogen, bring it to scale and implement at airports nationwide, as well as analyzing regulation and costs, to identify a clear path for progress ahead.
• Coalition Building: Advocating for a decarbonized future in aviation, including pathways to hydrogen production, with key industry stakeholders.

"To decarbonize aviation, we need to develop the right technology bricks and a dynamic hydrogen eco-system," said Julie Kitcher, Airbus E.V.P. Communications & Corporate Affairs. "Through close collaboration with key partners, such as Delta, we will integrate our customers' expertise and specific needs to ensure our zero-emission aircraft will be a game-changer for sustainable aerospace."

This program builds on Delta’s ongoing Flight to Net Zero efforts through coalitions that aim to bring to life the next chapter of aviation. Reaching net zero requires a holistic approach to decarbonization and collaboration across all corners of the industry.

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Sustainability

Delta’s deal with Gevo pushes SAF goal forward

This partnership significantly increases Delta’s access to sustainable aviation fuel while expanding the alternative fuel market. Sustainable aviation fuel is produced from bio feedstocks that can reduce greenhouse gas lifecycle emissions significantly compared to conventional jet fuel.

The announcement builds on Delta's recent investment through its pension plans in TPG Rise Climate fund, which focuses on supporting climate solutions at scale. Delta has also joined the First Movers Coalition, a public-private partnership and platform designed to accelerate and scale the development of breakthrough climate technologies.

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Sustainability

Delta joins First Movers Coalition to drive breakthrough technologies and sustainable fuels

The coalition is spearheaded by the U.S. State Department and the World Economic Forum and reflects Delta’s leadership as the world’s first carbon neutral airline.

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