Delta Air Lines has announced a significant partnership with Airbus' UpNext innovation lab, aiming to advance next-generation aviation technologies. This collaboration was revealed during Delta's keynote at CES 2025. The airline and Airbus will also invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through the Minnesota SAF Hub, marking the first large-scale SAF hub in the United States.
As Delta marks its centennial year, it is focusing on shaping the future of aviation for the next century. The partnership with Airbus UpNext positions both companies at the forefront of technological advancements in aviation. They aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 by exploring innovations in aircraft design, fuel use cases, and flying techniques that optimize fuel efficiency.
Delta's sustainability strategy includes optimizing flying operations and accelerating clean fuel availability. "It’s estimated that 80 percent or more of the world’s population has never experienced air travel," said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines. "Our job isn’t to transport people. It’s to bring them together."