Delta’s Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Strategy

In its centennial year, Delta Air Lines has focused on progressive action over retrospection.

The US airline made progress in 2025 against its sustainability targets, through a series of strategic procurement decisions and supplier partnerships, aimed at improving efficiency and developing next-generation aircraft.

The carrier surpassed its near-term fuel savings goal, delivering more than 55 million gallons of jet fuel savings from operational improvements in the first quarter alone.

This achievement resulted in cost savings of over US$125m contributing to its net zero ambitions. These savings were a result of Delta's cross-enterprise Carbon Council, which implemented measures including onboard weight reduction, new landing procedures and drag-reduction technologies.

Strategic sourcing and efficiency measures

Delta's Carbon Council was instrumental in the fuel savings realised in 2025.

The council focused on several key operational areas, such as optimising aircraft speed and routing and using technology to track and minimise Auxiliary Power Unit usage between flights.

While the individual impact of these initiatives could be viewed as small, their collective effect has made a notable contribution to reducing Delta’s emissions.

To foster a culture of efficiency, the airline also introduced a “Green Station of the Year” programme. This initiative encourages employees to contribute to fuel-saving behaviours in their daily work, creating competition among frontline teams to identify and implement sustainability improvements.

Partnering for next-generation aircraft

A key part of Delta’s strategy involves investing in the future of aircraft design.

In March, the airline announced a partnership with aerospace start-up JetZero to support the development of its blended wing-body (BWB) aircraft.

This design is expected to be up to 50% more fuel efficient than many aircraft currently in operation. Through its Sustainable Skies Lab, Delta is providing operational expertise to help bring the BWB aircraft closer to commercial viability.

In September, a partnership was formed with Maeve Aerospace to expedite the development of hybrid-electric aircraft for regional flights. Maeve's aircraft aims to cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% using conventional jet fuel.

“As we work toward the next generation of aircraft we look to partners like Maeve who embody the forward-thinking innovation we champion at Delta – solutions that advance aircraft design enhance operational efficiency elevate employee and customer experiences and cut emissions,” says Kristen Bojko, Vice President of Fleet at Delta Air Lines.

Delta also deepened its relationship with Airbus, testing a technique called fello'fly, where two aircraft fly in formation to improve fuel efficiency. According to Airbus, the practice can reduce fuel consumption by 5% on long-haul flights.

Innovative materials and SAF investment

Delta is also exploring novel technologies through its Sustainable Skies Lab.

The airline has added MicroTau, an Australian company that has created an external aircraft cladding that mimics shark skin to reduce drag.

MicroTau estimates the technology which can be applied to an aircraft's fuselage wings and tail may improve fuel efficiency by up to 4%.

Regarding fuel, Delta is on track to increase its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 50% compared to last year.

In a 2025 project with Shell Aviation, Montana Renewables and the Port of Portland, the airline participated in the first-ever commercial-scale delivery of SAF to Portland International Airport.

According to Airbus, SAF can reduce an airline’s emissions by up to 80%. Acknowledging the current supply constraints, investments from airlines like Delta are crucial for scaling SAF production.

The airline’s focus this year has also been on procuring more than 35 sustainable aircraft, which on average are over 25% more fuel efficient per seat mile than the aircraft it has retired since 2019.

On the ground, Delta has switched to paper cups across its entire operation and opened new facilities at Seattle-Tacoma International, designed with sustainability in mind.

“As Delta Air Lines closes out its centennial year we’re proud to share the meaningful steps we’ve taken toward a more sustainable future of flight,” explains Amelia DeLuca Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta.

“These milestones reflect Delta’s commitment to transforming the future of flight.”