Delta Air Lines is on a journey to net-zero emissions by 2050. Prioritizing sustainability isn’t just imperative to the health of our planet, it’s also key to Delta’s long-term business success.
The key to Delta’s goal? Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
SAF is the most promising lever known today to accelerate progress toward a net-zero future. Firstly, it can use the existing fuel infrastructure to get it to airports. Secondly, it’s safe to use in current aircraft engines. Thirdly, the use of SAF has the ability to reduce emissions by up to 80% with the potential for net negative emissions in certain circumstances.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough SAF today to fuel the world’s commercial airlines for even a single day. It’s also currently two to four times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. In addition to investing in SAF for its own fleet, Delta is working to signal demand, attract investment and advocate for policy incentives to scale the market so all airlines can access more sustainable, affordable fuels.
Delta Global Sustainability and Fuel teams have been working over the past several years to catalyze investment and stimulate SAF production by signing what’s known as offtake agreements with various SAF producers. These agreements guarantee that Delta will purchase SAF from the producer when they have it, subject to certain conditions. To date, Delta has signed offtake agreements for more than 200 million gallons of SAF, which puts us half-way toward our goal of using 10% SAF for flying by 2030.1
However, this can’t be done alone, and Delta is actively building coalitions across the SAF value chain to demonstrate the capacity for building and scaling. In March 2023, Delta released its go-forward Sustainability Strategy which outlines how Delta is decarbonizing its business across six core business areas: Ground Operations and Facilities, Clean Fuel
the Travel Experience, Supply Chain, Efficient Aircraft Operations and Revolutionary Fleet. This video is a part of a six-part series which dives into each of these core areas to share Delta’s sustainability journey.
Want to learn more about Delta’s SAF offtake agreements? Check out these articles.
- Delta, DG Fuels partner in pivotal expansion of sustainable fuel market
- Delta’s deal with Gevo pushes SAF goal forward
- Delta, Neste, Colonial Pipeline show how current infrastructure is ready for SAF
- Delta makes another big move to bring sustainable aviation fuel to more flights
DELTA AIR LINES: IN OTHER NEWS
What’s new with Delta Air Lines outside of sustainability? The airline is expanding its China flight schedule to provide more options for your travel plans. Beginning October 30, customers can enjoy daily flights from Shanghai-Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Seattle (SEA) and three-times-weekly service to Detroit (DTW). Get ready to discover the vibrant city of Seattle and indulge in the rich cultural heritage of motor city, Detroit. Next March, Delta will also resume four-times-weekly service from Shanghai-Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Los Angeles (LAX).
Discover Your Next Adventure with Delta Air Lines
China-U.S. Winter Schedule Snapshot*:
| Flight No. | Origin | Destination | Depart | Arrive | Frequency |
| DL281 | Seattle | Shanghai | 11:20 | 17:05 +1 | Daily |
| DL282 | Shanghai | Seattle | 19:20 | 14:35 | Daily |
| DL389 | Detroit | Shanghai | 10:05 | 15:20 +1 | Mon, Thu, Sat |
| DL388 | Shanghai | Detroit | 17:30 | 18:20 | Tue, Fri, Sun |
*Flights are subject to government approval.
1Subject to timely third-party financing and facility development.
