Saturday 15 February 2020

Delta Air Lines to spend $1bn over next decade to mitigate emissions

Delta Air Lines has committed to spending $1 billion (£770m) over the next decade to mitigate all emissions from its global business.

The programme will start on 1st March and will see the airline invest in driving innovation, advancing clean air travel technologies and reducing carbon emissions.

The aviation industry accounts for around 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions - approximately 98% of Delta’s contribution to this figure is generated by its aircraft.

The firm plans to reduce these emissions by reducing the use of jet fuel and increasing engine efficiency - it plans to offset remaining emissions using carbon capture technologies and by investing in natural carbon sinks.

Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO, said: "There’s no challenge we face that is in greater need of innovation than environmental sustainability and we know there is no single solution.

"We are digging deep into the issues, examining every corner of our business, engaging experts, building coalitions, fostering partnerships and driving innovation. We are on a journey and though we don’t have all the answers today, we know that our scale, along with investments of time, talent and resources will bring meaningful impact to the planet and ensure the sustainability of our business for decades to come."