Latest news with #AmeliaDeLuca
Skift
03-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Can Airline Growth and Climate Goals Coexist? Delta Thinks So
Delta wants to grow and decarbonize at the same time. But can airlines fly toward 'net zero' without changing their business models? Delta Air Lines says sustainability is still a top priority, even as the company grows and its greenhouse gas emissions increase. Speaking on Skift's climate podcast GreenShift, Amelia DeLuca, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer, acknowledged the tension between business expansion and climate goals. But she said the airline remains focused on reducing emissions. 'Delta is not a sustainability company that just happens to have an airline - we're an airline that has a sustainability team and policy,' DeLuca said. 'But we also know that if we don't decarbonize, we lose our license to operate over the next hundred years.' Listen to This Podcast A Balancing Act Between Growth and Green Goals Airlines are under growing pressure to curb emissions, with the sector pledging to reach net zero by 2050. But Delta's emissions rose in 2024 to their highest level since before the pandemic, according to its most recent sustainability report. 'The industry, Delta included, is in growth mode as we come back from the pandemic,' DeLuca said. 'We've just seen continued support for international travel and premium travel. So Delta is obviously trying to serve its customers as best we can. And through that, you're seeing growth in international destinations and premium seats.' The airline has hundreds of planes on order and while new aircraft are more efficient, more flights will mean more emissions. Amelia DeLuca serves as Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta Air Lines, leading the airline's net zero by 2050 goal. Despite rising emissions, DeLuca pointed to signs of progress. She said Delta increased its capacity by 5% last year compared to 2019, but used less jet fuel, a first for the airline. It saved 45 million gallons of jet fuel and roughly $110 million. 'That means we're growing, but doing so more efficiently,' she said. Delta credits that efficiency to flight improvements such as more efficient routes as well as newer aircraft, which the International Air Transport Association says can be up to 20% more fuel efficient than older models. DeLuca also said part of the emissions increase comes down to better data. As Delta improves tracking of indirect emissions, such as those from suppliers, its total footprint appears larger. 'Our scope three emissions look like they're going up, but it's just because we're now working with our supply chain to give us the most accurate emissions that we can get,' she said. The Race for Sustainable Aviation Fuel DeLuca made it clear that operational tweaks and better planes won't be enough. 'Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is the biggest lever,' she said. 'It's the only thing that gets us to net zero. We're in a race against time.' Delta is building a SAF blending hub in Minnesota and working with corporate clients to create demand. The airline hopes this can serve as a model for broader state-level action. There have been concerns that SAF production will never be able to grow to the level required by the entire aviation sector, as it tries to decarbonize, due to issues around feedstocks. The fuel uses things like used cooking oil, of which there is limited supply, and plants, which are feared might result in crop displacement - taking vital land away for things like food for humans, for SAF. 'There's a limit to how much used cooking oil exists. The next generation of SAF is using biomass type products, such as corn waste, potentially woody biomass from fallen trees,' DeLuca said. 'All those have a limit.' DeLuca called on the sector to continue investing in new technologies such as carbon capture, capturing gasses out of the atmosphere using renewable energy and turning it back into fuel. 'These are unlimited feedstocks. And that cost profile of that product, if you have unlimited feedstocks, is actually lower than conventional jet fuel today. But that is a long way off. This is going to take all of us. Airlines alone can't solve climate change.' Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.
Fox News
27-04-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Future of flying: Fuel-sipping jet promises quieter, greener skies
Delta Air Lines is partnering with aerospace startup JetZero to introduce a revolutionary aircraft design that has the potential to transform the future of commercial flying. This new design, called the blended wing body (BWB) aircraft, differs dramatically from the traditional tube-and-wing planes in service. By combining the wings and fuselage into a single, wide, flat shape, the BWB reduces drag and weight, resulting in fuel efficiency improvements of up to 50% compared to today's aircraft. Join The FREE CyberGuy Report: Get my expert tech tips, critical security alerts and exclusive deals — plus instant access to my free Ultimate Scam Survival Guide when you sign up! The blended wing body (BWB) aircraft represents a critical component of Delta's strategy to decarbonize aviation, with its fuel efficiency gains directly supporting the airline's 2050 net-zero target. By leveraging existing engine technology, the design avoids delays associated with developing new propulsion systems, enabling faster adoption across fleets. The aircraft's capacity to transport over 250 passengers, matching mid-sized international jets in range and wide-body models in seating, positions it as a practical solution for reducing emissions without compromising operational needs. Its noise-reducing engine placement and compatibility with current airport infrastructure address both environmental and logistical challenges, while integration with sustainable aviation fuels amplifies its role in cutting lifecycle carbon emissions. This multifaceted approach demonstrates how innovative airframe technology can accelerate the industry's shift toward cleaner travel. Delta is deeply involved in the project beyond financial support. Through its Sustainable Skies Lab, the airline is contributing operational expertise to help make the BWB aircraft commercially viable. This includes advising on maintenance, airport operations and other practical considerations necessary for the aircraft's success in everyday airline service. Amelia DeLuca, Delta's chief sustainability officer, highlights the importance of this collaboration, stating that working with JetZero to develop a new airframe and passenger experience is an essential step toward advancing the airline industry's fuel-saving and innovation goals. The interior of the BWB aircraft is being thoughtfully redesigned to enhance comfort and accessibility. The wider and flatter shape of the plane's body allows for new cabin layouts. Delta aims to provide dedicated overhead bin space for every passenger, more accessible seating and lavatories and fewer rows to create a less crowded environment. Additionally, the engines will be mounted on top of the aircraft, which is expected to significantly reduce cabin noise and lower noise pollution around airports. This partnership follows JetZero's receipt of a significant grant from the U.S. Air Force in 2023 to build a full-scale demonstrator aircraft, with a first flight planned for 2027. The grant, along with collaborations with aerospace leaders such as Northrop Grumman and Scaled Composites, reflects strong government and industry support for the BWB concept. Delta has been involved with JetZero since 2021, providing valuable guidance on how to bring this technology to market. Over the past 50 years, the aviation industry has made impressive gains in fuel efficiency, improving by roughly 80% through innovations like winglets and lighter materials. Delta alone saved more than 40 million gallons of fuel in 2024 by optimizing operations and upgrading its fleet. Still, the industry acknowledges that incremental improvements are insufficient to meet pressing climate goals. Technologies like the BWB aircraft are necessary to achieve the significant reductions in emissions and fuel consumption that the future demands. Delta and JetZero's collaboration marks a meaningful step toward a cleaner, quieter and more efficient future for air travel. While challenges remain, including regulatory approvals and ensuring passenger comfort with the new design, this partnership exemplifies the aviation industry's dedication to innovation and sustainability. The future of flying is being reshaped by bold ideas like the blended wing body aircraft, which promise to make air travel more environmentally responsible while improving the overall passenger experience. Would you be excited to fly on a radically redesigned airplane that promises greater comfort, quieter cabins and a smaller carbon footprint — even if it means adjusting to a very different cabin layout and window view than what you're used to? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delta Air Lines, JetZero team up for ‘future of air travel' to design new passenger jet
In a move meant to revolutionize air travel, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has partnered with California startup JetZero to design and build 'more sustainable aircraft' for commercial flights. If their plans take off the way they hope, the company said future air travel will be on their 50% more fuel-efficient planes, changing up not only fuel use but even the aircrafts' looks. Delta said in an announcement that they want to drive fuel costs down and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and the new design from JetZero could make that goal happen. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'The California-based start-up's vastly more fuel efficient blended-wing-body (BWB) design is at the center of the collaboration and is one facet of Delta's ongoing journey to advance industry innovation, drive down cost through increased fuel-savings, elevate the customer experience and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,' Delta said. JetZero received a U.S. Air Force grant in 2023 to help build a full-scale demonstrator of their BWB aircraft. The first flight is supposed to lift off in 2027. The Atlanta-based airline said they will play a crucial role in development. TRENDING STORIES: Atlanta Falcons releasing Grady Jarrett, agent tells Channel 2 MARTA to host final NextGen Bus Network public meetings Body of beloved teacher found a month after vanishing on Lake Oconee 'Working with JetZero to realize an entirely new airframe and experience for customers and employees is bold and important work to advance the airline industry's fuel saving initiatives and innovation goals,' Amelia DeLuca, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer, said in a statement. 'While Delta is focused on doing what we can today to address our carbon footprint, it's critical we also work with a variety of partners to advance revolutionary technologies, like JetZero's blended-wing-body aircraft, to solve for a significant portion of future aviation emissions.' Delta said the 'uniquely shaped airframe' of the JetZero design 'offers endless possibilities' and that customers can expect changes to their flight experience, including enhancements, fewer rows and more storage space for luggage. JetZero cofounder and CEO Tom O'Leary said his company is trying to change the world through immediate progress at reducing energy costs and their emissions. 'The ability to realize such significant efficiency gains in the near future meaningfully impacts the industry's commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and will serve as the foundation on which other technologies and efficiencies can be realized,' O'Leary said. 'Delta was one of the first carriers to partner with us, supporting us behind the scenes since 2023, and we look forward to their continued support of our program through their deep knowledge and expertise.' JetZero's BWB aircraft are expected to include a slate of revolutionary benefits for consumers and for environmental sustainability including: The BWB is up to 50% more fuel efficient than conventional tube-and-wing airframes on the market due to the design, which creates less drag, provides more lifting surface area, provides even load and lift distribution, and overall is markedly lighter in weight. Capacity to carry more than 250 customers – which is similar to existing widebody aircraft – to provide the level of capacity and range needed to meet growing travel demand. Less noise. With engines mounted on top of the aircraft, BWB aircraft are expected to be significantly quieter than existing aircraft. The potential to fit into existing airport infrastructure and offer faster turn-around times – areas Delta is exploring and advising on. Utilizing SAF to further decrease lifecycle carbon emissions. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delta Air Lines shares first look at the future of air travel with new plane design
Prepare to be air-mazed! Delta Air Lines revealed plans to revolutionize air travel with a new fighter jet-style passenger plane that aims to lower emissions and fuel costs – and could take flight as early as 2027. The airliner is partnering with JetZero, a California-based startup, to bring the innovative and sustainable blended-wing-body aircraft to life as part of the global carrier's push to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Delta Air Lines announced Wednesday. The lightweight airframe – which differs from the traditional tube-and-wing shape – is expected to carry more than 250 travelers and will provide a much quieter journey with the engines mounted on the roof of the plane. 'Working with JetZero to realize an entirely new airframe and experience for customers and employees is bold and important work to advance the airline industry's fuel saving initiatives and innovation goals,' Amelia DeLuca, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer, said in a statement. 'While Delta is focused on doing what we can today to address our carbon footprint, it's critical we also work with a variety of partners to advance revolutionary technologies, like JetZero's blended-wing-body aircraft, to solve for a significant portion of future aviation emissions.' The partnership comes after the start-up received a grant from the US Air Force in 2023 to help facilitate building a full-scale demonstrator for its maiden flight by 2027, the airline said. Delta will provide operational expertise to help make the technology commercially viable and design the aircraft's interior cabin, which will include enhanced overhead bin space, accessible seats and lavatories, and fewer rows. Airline officials said its goal is for the sleek aircraft to run on sustainable aviation fuel. JetZero cofounder and CEO Tom O'Leary said his company is working to 'change the world' by introducing a first-of-its-kind aircraft that will reduce airline energy costs and associated emissions. 'The ability to realize such significant efficiency gains in the near future meaningfully impacts the industry's commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and will serve as the foundation on which other technologies and efficiencies can be realized,' he said. 'Delta was one of the first carriers to partner with us, supporting us behind the scenes since 2023, and we look forward to their continued support of our program through their deep knowledge and expertise.'
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delta announces aircraft of the not-too-distant future
The exterior design of a commercial jet hasn't changed much in the past 70 years. And inside, it's not much different either. There are still screaming babies, beverage carts that hit your leg, and pretzel bags that won't open. And while Delta (DAL) isn't saying anything about the pretzel bags, they are announcing a new prototype jet of the future. Delta announced it is partnering with California-based JetZero to craft a new type of plane which vaguely resembles a Stealth bomber. The company says the new design will help reduce emissions and fuel costs for the airline. Delta hopes to have a prototype plane in the skies by 2027. Other highlights of the plane, according to a Delta press release: Capacity to carry 250 or more passengers Roof mounted engines that will cut down on noise Planes can use existing airport infrastructure 'Working with JetZero to realize an entirely new airframe and experience for customers and employees is bold and important work to advance the airline industry's fuel saving initiatives and innovation goals,' said Amelia DeLuca, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer. But Sheldon Jacobson, a futurist and professor of computer science at the University of Illinois's Granger College of Engineering, says we should not expect to see these planes full of passengers in the sky anytime soon. Jacobson says he is always intrigued to see the boundaries of research pushed forward to achieve a 'better mouse trap,' in this case, airplanes for commercial flight. 'The advantages are that such a 'green' airplane would reduce emissions and be more energy efficient, all positives,' Jacobson says, but he adds that making changes to commercial air travel is very difficult. 'The standard for air travel safety is exceedingly high. Combine that with passenger comfort and you have a very high bar to overcome,' Jacobson says, adding that with new designs like this, the laws of unexpected consequence suggest some surprises once deployed. ' I cannot see anything like this deployed for widespread commercial travel for another decade. The military will be much faster and serve as a convenient test bed,' Jacobson says. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
