US, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, India, China, South Korea, Saudi, UAE, Japan and More Destinations Ten New Ways Delta is Flying Toward Sustainability in 2024

Published on December 17, 2024

By: Rana Pratap

Delta is flying to more than 290 destinations across the globe, including the US, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, India, China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan, and more. As the airline continues to connect millions of people, it is also leading the charge toward a sustainable future in aviation. In 2024, Delta is implementing ten transformative ways to reduce its environmental impact, ensuring a greener tomorrow while maintaining its commitment to exceptional service and reliability.

Delta is taking flight toward a greener future with bold action on “What We Fly, How We Fly, and the Fuel We Use to get there.” From sustainable fuel advancements to waste reduction and cutting-edge technology, the airline is driving progress toward decarbonizing its operations and inspiring industry-wide change.

“2050 may seem far off, but the reality is, decisions we make today will directly impact our ability to meet our goals in the coming decades,” said Delta Chief Sustainability Officer Amelia DeLuca. “With no obvious solution to reach net-zero emissions, we’re exploring different pathways for everything from scaling sustainable aviation fuel to revolutionizing what we fly and how we fly through partnerships across our industry and beyond.”

Here are ten groundbreaking ways Delta advanced its sustainability and decarbonization goals in 2024:

1. Carbon Council Drives Record Fuel Savings
Delta’s Carbon Council saved 41 million gallons of jet fuel in 2024 — nearly double the savings from 2023. Initiatives like enhanced flight routing, reduced catering weight, and new landing procedures on Boeing 717s all contributed to this success. The result? Reduced emissions and over $100M in operational savings.

2. Scaling Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) remains one of Delta’s key pathways to net-zero emissions. In 2024, the airline increased its SAF intake nearly fourfold compared to 2023 and reached new milestones like first-ever SAF deliveries to Detroit (DTW) and Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airports.

3. Government Advocacy for SAF Expansion
Delta worked with government agencies and industry stakeholders to secure major wins for SAF production. This included guaranteed loans for partners like Gevo and Montana Renewables, which will enable large-scale SAF production facilities in the U.S.

4. First SAF Blending Facility in Minnesota
Delta and Flint Hills Resources supported the development of the first-ever SAF blending facility in Minnesota. Once operational, it will blend up to 30 million gallons of SAF annually, driving the state’s leadership in sustainable fuel production.

5. Iconic SAF-Powered Flights
Delta used SAF to power two high-profile flights in 2024. The first honored the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, while the second carried the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles ahead of the LA28 Games.

6. Reducing Single-Use Plastics on Board
Delta’s in-flight sustainability push includes the rollout of paper cups and kraft paper packaging for earbuds. Once fully implemented, these initiatives will eliminate over 7 million pounds of single-use plastic from flights annually.

7. Testing TaxiBot Technology for Smarter Taxiing
At airports like JFK, Delta is testing “TaxiBot” technology, a pilot-controlled towing tractor that moves planes on the ground without running jet engines. This approach reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions while enhancing ground efficiency.

8. Expanding Renewable Energy at HQ
At its Atlanta headquarters, Delta is installing rooftop solar panels to provide 60% of the electricity for its General Office campus. The company also added more EV charging stations, bringing the total number on campus to over 160.

9. New Campus Waste Diversion Program
Delta introduced a three-bin waste system (recyclables, compost, and landfill) at its Atlanta headquarters. This move is part of its broader mission to increase waste diversion rates and achieve greater landfill avoidance.

10. Partnership-Fueled Progress
Delta’s sustainability push wouldn’t be possible without partnerships. From working with fuel producers and farmers to teaming up with airlines, tech innovators, and policymakers, Delta continues to collaborate to scale sustainable aviation efforts globally.

Connecting People, Protecting the Planet: How Delta is Leading Sustainable Aviation Across 290+ Destinations in 2024

Delta operates more than 4,000 daily flights to over 290 destinations across six continents, connecting people globally while continuing its commitment to sustainability. In 2023, the airline served over 190 million customers, upholding industry-leading standards in service, safety, and reliability. As it expands its network across the US, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, India, China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan, and beyond, Delta is taking bold actions in 2024 to reduce its environmental impact and lead the way in sustainable aviation.

With initiatives spanning multiple continents and countries — including the US, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, India, China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Japan — Delta is charting a bold course for the future of sustainable aviation.