It includes scaling the sustainable fuel market, innovating its fleet for the future, addressing single-use plastics and encouraging net-zero supply chains.

Delta chief sustainability officer Pam Fletcher first shared the strategy with the airline’s more than 90,000 employees in late February. "Delta people are known for doing difficult things well," Fletcher said.

"As we reshape the fundamentals of aviation, we are as dedicated to making immediate progress as we are to investing wisely in disruptive solutions."

The reduction of fossil fuels and an evolution to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are at the forefront of Fletcher’s mid-term strategy. 

Delta’s sustainability strategy also accounts for near-term goals, including minimising its impact from single-use plastic, transitioning to electric ground service equipment and encouraging vendors in its supply chain on their own sustainability plans.

The airline will look to "get as close to eliminating single-use plastics as possible" while diverting waste from landfills. 

For example, amenity kits from Mexico-based brand Someone Somewhere are eliminating five single-use plastic items onboard, reducing Delta’s annual plastic use by up to 90,000 pounds.

Fletcher also described a long-term strategy of decarbonisation centered on eliminating the company’s climate impact from flying through investments in efficient aircraft operations.

Delta will continue reducing fuel consumption, advocating for more efficient air traffic control coordination and innovating new technologies with partners like Aero Design Labs to lower fuel burn.