Skip to main content

How Delta is working toward net-zero emissions by 2050

Delta works toward net-zero emissions by 2050

Delta A330-900
Delta A330-900 Delta Air Lines / Delta Air Lines

To reach its 2050 goal of achieving net-zero emissions, Delta Air Lines is concentrating on “What We Fly, How We Fly, and The Fuel We Use,” each marked by important metrics over time. Around 90% of Delta’s carbon emissions come from jet fuel, and the company’s looking for innovative ways to decarbonize its operations.

How Delta aims to reach net-zero emissions

“What We Fly” describes Delta’s use of state-of-the-art aircraft like the Airbus A321neo. That ensures passengers enjoy a safe, comfortable trip on a plane that achieves top-rate fuel efficiency. The company’s also investing in future technologies, like planes from JetZero that use a blended-wing-body design for up to 50% improved fuel consumption.

Recommended Videos

“How We Fly” focuses on methods to save on jet fuel through cost savings and lowered emissions. In 2025, the company is aiming for 1% fuel burn savings, which would amount to 45 million gallons saved. In 2035, the goal is 3% operational fuel savings, and by 2050, 5% operational fuel savings and 100% net-zero operations. 

“The Fuel We Use” refers to Delta’s efforts to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its operations. SAF is made from renewable sources and can decrease carbon lifecycle emissions by 80%. It also offers the best short-term solution for airlines seeking to reduce emissions. Still, there isn’t enough SAF being produced each year to fuel the world’s airlines for only a week. To help, Delta is encouraging partnerships across the SAF landscape, by supporting policies to incentivize SAF production, collaborating with the Minnesota SAF Hub, and showing demand via demand consortiums and offtake agreements to make the fuel more economical. 

Amelia DeLuca, Delta Chief Sustainability Officer, said: “Aviation is a hard-to-decarbonize sector, and while there is no single path to reaching our net-zero emissions goals, we’re optimistic about the work ahead and the progress we’re making every year. Sustainability is good for business, our people, and the planet, and our employees and customers can trust that we’re doing everything we can to advance toward a better future. Our refreshed strategy is a simple way to look at the breadth of opportunity Delta has to drive impact. Throughout our journey, we will continue to learn and evolve with every step we take.” 

Mark Reif
Mark Reif has a passion for the outdoors and travel, and telling the stories of his experiences. He’s a lifelong…
A second Las Vegas Airport takes a major step toward construction
Las Vegas at night

For more than 25 years, a second Las Vegas airport has been in the works, and it just took a major step toward construction. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced on May 19 their notice of intent to draw up an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA). 

Formulating an EIS is the initial step in the federal process for approving a new commercial airport. Local officials welcomed the news, as Harry Reid International Airport will reach its full capacity of 63 to 65 million travelers by 2030.

Read more
How to survive the middle seat on a plane: 6 smart tips that really help
When life gives you the middle seat, here’s how to make it work for you
empty airplane seats

No one wants the middle seat. You either booked last-minute, got hit with a basic economy deal, or rolled the dice on a random assignment and lost. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit, usually because of work trips I didn’t know about until 48 hours before takeoff.

There’s something uniquely humbling about wedging yourself between two strangers at 35,000 feet with nowhere to lean and zero personal space. But after enough cramped flights, I’ve learned a few solid strategies that actually help make the middle seat on airplane flights bearable. Not luxurious, let’s not get carried away, but definitely more manageable.
How to survive the middle seat on an airplane

Read more
Delta is renaming its seating products—what to know
Delta 737-900

Delta Air Lines has announced revamped naming for its seating products in an effort to provide travelers with more choice and control during their trips. The new naming conventions took effect yesterday for flights on or after October 1.

Here are Delta’s new seating product designations

Read more