Delta Air Lines has removed two major environmental commitments from its sustainability webpage. The airline removed its specific pledge to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for 10% of its jet fuel by the year 2030. Delta changed its language regarding its 2050 net-zero emissions target, now describing it as an “aspiration” rather than a firm target.
While SAF can significantly cut emissions, it is two to five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. In this regard, a Delta spokesperson said that while SAF is important for decarbonization, its slow production pace is jeopardizing the industry’s ability to meet climate goals. according to bloomberg According to the report, the airline still sees SAF as one of the key ways to decarbonise flying, but its slow growth hurts the industry’s climate ambitions.
Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), warned that a shortage of new, efficient planes and alternative fuels is putting the industry’s 2021 emissions targets at risk. Moreover, global efforts to curb aviation emissions – which account for 2% to 3% of the global total – are being hampered by supply chain delays, affecting deliveries of new aircraft and engines. IATA’s nearly 350 airlines adopted targets in 2021 to curb these emissions. This effort largely depends on SAF adoption and timely access to new aircraft, both of which are currently hampered by supply chain disruptions.
