Delta: firm steps to ‘green’, joins First Movers Coalition

Delta Air Lines has joined First Movers Coalition, a public-private partnership and platform that plays a major role in helping aviation and other sectors reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Delta sees an important role in its operational future for SAF.

First Movers Coalition aims to drive breakthrough technologies and sustainable fuels. The decision to join the platform (spearheaded by the U.S. State Department and the World Economic Forum) shows that Delta is committed in its aim to be the world's first carbon neutral airline.

Delta is strongly committed to reaching the goal of a net zero future by 2050 and consistent with the critical climate target of 1.5C. The airline invests substantially in key decarbonization solutions, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The airline strongly believes that those investments are needed accelerate new markets for cost-competitive, low-carbon technology.

Delta has some clear goals for the near future. One of these goals is to replace at least five percent of conventional jet fuel demand with SAF that achieves at least an 85 percent reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions relative to conventional jet fuel by 2030, pending availability and feasibility. The SAF market needs to be developed further, Delta believes. SAF is currently about three to five times more expensive than fossil jet fuels. It is one of First Movers Coalition's goals to help change that.