Delta launches Flight to Net Zero, signs SAF partnership with CWT

Photo: Delta Air Lines Inc.

In advance of World Environment Day June 5, on June 3 Delta launched Flight to Net Zero—a reflection of the airline’s commitment to carbon neutrality. The airline is also acting on that commitment, signing a fifth sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) agreement with partner CWT. Both reflect Delta’s commitment to making significant, long-term investments to mitigate all carbon dioxide emissions from its airline operation.

“Flight to Net Zero introduces travelers to our commitment to carbon neutrality,” said Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s managing director of sustainability. “We are actively pursuing a new path forward for aviation, so our customers do not have to choose between seeing the world and saving it.”

Flight to Net Zero encompasses Delta’s climate leadership through its carbon neutrality goal. It also represents the new initiatives, products and standards that will advance clean air travel and accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions.

Beyond Flight to Net Zero, which addresses carbon emissions, the company has an ambitious vision of zero-impact aviation—where air travel does not damage the environment directly or indirectly via greenhouse gas emissions, noise, waste or other impacts.

Change cannot be made alone. To that end, Delta continues to expand its SAF agreements with solid business partners. The latest CWT agreement purchases enough SAF to cover the projected fuel usage from all of their clients on June 5, World Environment Day.

“Actions speak louder than words, and we are delighted to further cement both our wide-reaching partnership with Delta and our commitment to responsible business in such an innovative and public initiative,” said Patrick Andersen, CWT’s chief commercial officer.

As a U.N. Global Compact signatory since 2012, CWT is committed to the highest standard of responsible business practices, including a firm focus on environmental stewardship, which is a core part of its strategy, culture and day-to-day activities.

“Strong sustainability partnerships, like our latest one with CWT, drive the industry forward to a more environmentally sound future,” said Steve Sear, Delta’s executive vice president of global sales. “These partnerships underscore a conceptual alignment within the travel industry to proactively find solutions for the carbon footprint created by travel.”

With these agreements, Delta makes progress in its three areas of focus to drive toward a net-zero carbon future:

• Carbon reductions and removals

• Stakeholder engagement

• Coalition building

Partnerships, like the one with CWT, bring much-needed investment to the SAF market by building industry demand and supply with the goal of decreasing the aviation industry’s reliance on conventional jet fuel. By creating the supply, Delta’s goal of using 10 percent SAF by the end of 2030 comes closer to reality.

The recent launch of Delta’s inaugural ESG report highlights its intention to be a catalyst for global change and its role in growing empathy, respect and care for the planet and the people within it. Delta has a longstanding commitment to sustainable air travel. It is the first and only U.S. airline to cap greenhouse gas emissions at 2012 levels voluntarily. In 2020, it committed to be the first carbon-neutral airline globally.