Aviation: Why Delta Wants Electric Ground Operations

In the 100 years since its founding, Delta Air Lines has rarely had a more progressive 12 months than in 2025.

The centenary year is not a time for looking back but for pushing forward with its net zero targets. The airline has made progress on electrifying its ground operations, improved fuel efficiency and reduced waste across its operations.

The Atlanta-based 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 not only saves Delta more than US$125m but also advances its pursuit of net zero emissions.

A key part of this success comes from Delta's cross-enterprise Carbon Council, which implements measures including on-board weight reduction, optimised aircraft speed and new landing procedures.

Hybrid electric aircraft and new designs

A key part of Delta’s strategy involves looking to the next generation of aircraft. In September, the airline joined forces with Maeve Aerospace to help expedite the development of hybrid electric aircraft for regional flights.

Compared to current regional aircraft designs, Maeve's aircraft aims to cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% using conventional jet fuel. Further lifecycle emissions reductions could be possible when using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

“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.

Earlier in the year, Delta also partnered with aerospace startup JetZero. The airline is providing operational expertise through its Sustainable Skies Lab to support the development of a blended wing-body (BWB) aircraft.

This futuristic-looking plane is expected to be up to 50% more fuel efficient than the average aircraft in operation today.

Innovative technology and efficiency gains

Delta's focus on innovation extends beyond new aircraft models. Delta renews its collaboration with Airbus to test fello'fly, a flying technique inspired by migrating geese. By pairing flights so one aircraft can benefit from the uplift created by another, the practice could reduce fuel consumption by 5% on long-haul flights, according to Airbus.

The airline also added MicroTau, an Australian aerospace technology company, to its Sustainable Skies Lab. MicroTau creates an external cladding for planes that mimics shark skin to reduce drag and save fuel. The startup estimates the technology, which can be applied to a plane’s fuselage, wings and tail, may improve fuel efficiency by up to 4%.

Further initiatives include the testing of finlets on the rear fuselage to reshape airflow and reduce drag. Delta also finalised the modification of the split-scimitar winglet upgrade on its 737-800 fleet this year, marking the completion of adding advanced winglet technology to all existing fleets that can be modified.

Scaling SAF and electrifying ground operations

While new aircraft and technologies mature, Delta continued to focus on measures within its immediate control. The airline says it is on track to increase its usage of SAF by 50% compared to last year.

In 2025, a collaboration with Shell Aviation, Montana Renewables and the Port of Portland saw 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%.

On the ground, Delta partnered with Green Taxi Aerospace to explore electric taxiing technology. This innovation aims to reduce fuel use, operating costs, taxi time and carbon emissions during the ground phase of flight operations.

The year also saw the airline replace plastic cups with paper alternatives across its entire operation and open new facilities at Seattle-Tacoma International with sustainability in mind, featuring smart windows and all-electric energy with motion-sensing lights.

“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,” says Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta.

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