Virgin and Delta in Top 10 Sustainable Airlines
Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines have made it to Sustainability Magazine’s list of ten global airlines excelling in sustainability through net-zero goals, ESG ratings, and innovative green technologies.
Image by Delta Air Lines
As the aviation industry grapples with its environmental impact, several airlines are emerging as pioneers in sustainability. Among the top ten airlines leading this charge are Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines, both (according to the Sustainability Magazine) renowned for their ambitious sustainability initiatives and innovative approaches to reducing carbon footprints.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic, under the leadership of CEO Shai Weiss, has made significant strides towards sustainability. Known for its striking red uniforms designed by Vivienne Westwood, which incorporate 25% recycled plastic, the airline completed the first fully SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) flight across the Atlantic in 2023. Weiss emphasized the importance of SAF as a viable solution for decarbonizing long-haul flights, calling for increased investment and regulatory support to scale production.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta and led by CEO Ed Bastian, has committed $1 billion over ten years to sustainability initiatives. Delta aims to cut its fuel emissions by half by 2050, focusing on transitioning to a more fuel-efficient fleet and increasing the use of SAF. The airline also launched the Delta Sustainable Skies Lab in 2023 to advance research and innovation in sustainable air travel. Delta’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is reflected in its Faces of Travel initiative, which aims to increase representation and visibility within travel culture.
