Decarbonising Delta Airlines: Saving Money and Jet Fuel

Aviation accounts for 2–3% of global emissions, a figure only expected to rise without targeted action. 

As one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise, airlines must balance operational demands with ambitious climate goals. 

Delta Air Lines is leading that charge. 

The global carrier has become the first US airline to meet its 2025 jet fuel savings target through operational improvements alone, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability strategy.

Delta’s decarbonisation milestone

This achievement is not just an environmental win but also a financial one. 

Delta has saved 45 million gallons of jet fuel – worth more than US$110m in annual cost reductions – by embedding sustainability into its operations. 

With 98% of its carbon footprint coming from flying, efforts like this are critical to Delta’s commitment to eliminating its climate impact.

The achievement was driven by Delta’s cross-functional Carbon Council, which works across teams to implement changes that directly reduce emissions. 

Key initiatives to reduce Delta’s carbon emissions included:

• Reducing onboard weight
• Using tech to track and limit Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) usage
• Optimising aircraft speed and routing
• Certifying new landing procedures
• Installing drag-reduction technology like winglets on the existing fleet

“65 percent of Delta people are in a position daily to directly contribute to our operational KPIs for reducing fuel usage, improving fuel efficiency and driving millions of dollars in cost savings each year that, in turn, contribute to profit sharing,” explains Jesse Miers, Director of Global Sustainability at Delta

“It’s a true team effort that adds up quickly.”

Sustainability across the business

To ensure long-term impact, Delta has introduced operational KPIs that engage employees across departments and empower them to drive sustainable change. 

The Carbon Council's coordinated efforts have already delivered results. In 2022, 10 million gallons of fuel were saved, with plans for similar annual savings going forward.

“Delta is the first U.S. airline to achieve its near-term fuel savings goal from operational improvements thanks to our cross-divisional Carbon Council,” says Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta. 

“Delta is no stranger to solving hard problems, and I'm incredibly proud of our airline as we continue to meet milestones and track toward our sustainability and decarbonisation goals.”

Cost saving, climate saving

More than 2,000 companies have signed up for net zero targets, including 80% of the top 25 airlines.

Delta’s broader sustainability efforts include reducing single-use plastics by nearly 5 million pounds annually and continuing to improve its fleet and operations. 

These efforts align with global consumer and investor expectations:

• 88% of investors believe net-zero-aligned companies are more valuable
• 65% of Gen Z jobseekers prefer employers with sustainable practices
• 75% of consumers say brands must act now for the good of society and the planet.

Delta’s sustainability strategy is built on three core pillars:

• Efficient aircraft operations: improving how the airline flies
• Clean fuels: advancing the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
• A revolutionary fleet: reimagining aircraft for a net-zero future.

This milestone is a clear indicator that Delta’s strategy is not only aspirational but deliverable. 

Through innovation, collaboration and enterprise-wide alignment, the airline is demonstrating what’s possible, and necessary, for a more sustainable future of travel.

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