Sustainability

Delta is committed to connecting the world to a more sustainable future of travel. Read about the progress made in 2024 toward its decarbonization and sustainability goals.

For the first time in both Minnesota’s and Michigan's aviation history, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has arrived via pipeline to two Delta hub airports, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). 

Chief Sustainability Officer Amelia Deluca showcased Delta’s decarbonization efforts when she took to the stage at New York Climate Week to discuss the work Delta is doing with employees to reach our sustainability goals.

The first-of-its kind Minnesota SAF Hub launched in August 2023 with a commitment to implement an ambitious shared strategy for aggressively decarbonizing the airline industry by scaling SAF production and replacing conventional jet fuel.

The Sustainable Skies Challenge aims to formulate innovative sustainable aviation solutions among Europe's brightest young minds. 

The partners are exploring airport infrastructure and operational requirements to stand up hydrogen operations at the world’s busiest airport.

Delta shares their 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance report, which shows how the global, values-led airline is creating a safer, more equitable workplace that reflects the communities that it serves while advancing a more sustainable future of travel.

Delta climbed the ranks on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list in the travel category, earning accolades for making fast, free Wi-Fi standard in the sky.

From welcoming back Amelia DeLuca to Delta’s Global Sustainability leadership team as CSO to continued initiatives to reduce emissions while spurring SAF production and reducing single-use-plastics on board, Delta continues to be a leader in sustainability in the aviation sector.

Delta will begin its final testing of new paper cups on board transcontinental flights starting in December 2023. This latest sustainability milestone underscores the airline’s commitment to innovation and progress. Pending testing, the new paper cups will be rolled out throughout Delta’s network.

A transformative initiative has taken flight with the formation of Americans for Clean Aviation Fuels, of which Delta is a founding member.

Delta shortlisted for ‘Best Innovation’ and ‘Lowest CO2 Emissions Ground Ops’ awards, and the airline won two categories: “Lowest CO2 Ground Emissions Home Base” for its ground support equipment and “Best Innovation Wildcard” for overall high performance in innovation in 2023 SkyTeam Alliance Sustainable Flight Challenge.

Through the GREATER MSP Partnership, Bank of America, Delta Air Lines, Ecolab and Xcel Energy have established the first large-scale SAF Hub in the U.S. with unparalleled collaboration among key players committed to scaling SAF production to replace conventional jet fuel.

Effective Aug. 1, Amelia DeLuca will return to Delta’s Global Sustainability team as Chief Sustainability Officer. Delta’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 through decarbonizing our airline operations remains a business imperative.

Delta displayed its sustainability strategy in action as part of the second annual SkyTeam Alliance Sustainable Flight Challenge. The challenge tests sustainable solutions as the company works toward net zero emissions by 2050 while delivering elevated, more sustainable travel experiences. These flights showcased the company’s strategy in action from the electric ground support equipment to reducing single-use plastic onboard and actions that reduce emissions.

Delta’s always-on work to advance its purpose is on full display in the airline’s 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance Report. The latest data, insights and examples of how Delta is delivering meaningful progress in Safety, People and Culture, Environmental Sustainability and Community Impact clearly illustrate Delta’s purpose behind its business.

The zero-emission catering truck will be deployed for three months to supply Delta's aircraft at the gate.

Delta will purchase up to 10 million gallons of neat SAF from Shell Aviation over a two-year period for use at its hub at Los Angeles International Airport. This will increase the global airline’s SAF commitments to over 200 million gallons – more than halfway to its goal of SAF comprising 10% of its fuel use annually by end of 2030*, and well on its way to 35% SAF use by 2035.

Ground support equipment at Delta's hubs in Salt Lake City and Boston are nearly entirely powered with electricity, a huge step toward the airline's aspirational goal of a 100% net-zero ground operation around the world.

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

This announcement is part of Delta’s ongoing commitment to protecting the planet which, since 2005, has resulted in a 9 percent decrease in emissions as Delta works toward its long-term goal of reducing its emissions