Delta Air Lines announces sustainability achievements including significant fuel savings

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Delta Air Lines announces sustainability achievements including significant fuel savings

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jan 13, 2025

Delta Air Lines, the world's largest airline by revenue, has undertaken several initiatives in 2024 to reduce its carbon footprint and optimize fuel consumption. These efforts are part of a broader strategy involving collaboration with government bodies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), airport authorities, and local partners.

The Carbon Council at Delta, established in 2022, plays a pivotal role in these sustainability efforts. "The Council is made up of leaders from across Delta Air Lines," focusing on reducing fuel usage through enhanced flight planning and operational procedures. In 2024 alone, Delta saved approximately 41 million gallons of jet fuel through various measures such as optimized routing and reduced Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) usage.

Delta's commitment to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) continues to grow. The airline aims for SAF to constitute at least 10% of its operations by 2030. In 2024, deliveries increased fourfold compared to the previous year. Efforts include developing infrastructure for SAF production with government support and opening a new blending facility in Minnesota capable of handling up to 30 million gallons.

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Efforts to reduce single-use plastics have also been significant. By testing paper cups on international flights and replacing plastic wraps with kraft paper for earbuds, Delta plans to eliminate seven million pounds of plastic annually.

In partnership with Smart Airport Systems and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Delta is testing TaxiBot technology at several major airports. This innovation aims to tow aircraft without using their engines during taxiing, potentially saving substantial amounts of aviation fuel.

At its Atlanta headquarters, Delta has initiated campus greening projects including rooftop solar panels installed by Cherry Street Energy that will cover 60% of electricity needs once completed. Additionally, over 50 electric vehicle charging ports have been installed on-site.

An engine washing program with AeroCore Technologies using Nucleated Foam Technology is anticipated to save four million gallons of fuel annually by improving engine performance and efficiency.

Winglet modifications are being applied across Delta's fleet to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce drag. Enhanced wingtip devices like split-scimitar winglets are expected on the Boeing 737-800 fleet this year.

Participation in the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (X-66) program with Boeing and NASA highlights Delta's commitment to researching innovative technologies aimed at reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.

Two new councils were launched in 2024: the SAF Council focuses on securing future supplies while the Green Council collaborates with corporate accounts on sustainability initiatives. Operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been established around weight savings, equipment run time, and emissions reduction strategies to track progress towards net-zero goals.