Delta + Airbus = Innovation for the Future of Sustainable Aviation Technology

Delta Air Lines and European airplane manufacturer Airbus are expanding their partnership to advance sustainable aviation technology, making flying safer and more environmentally friendly. Through Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab and Airbus’ innovation labs, including Airbus UpNext, the two companies are pioneering eco-friendly air travel solutions.

Partners in Aviation Technology Innovation

Under this new partnership, Delta and Airbus are studying specific aspects of aviation technology, including aircraft wing performance, fuel efficiency innovations, and new materials for electric aircraft propulsion systems. They are also developing advanced technologies for autopilot systems, optimizing flight routes, monitoring pilot health, and improving crash-detection technology.

One specific area of interest is an experimental flight technique called “Fello’fly”, an exploration of mirroring the V-formation flight pattern of geese . This technique would benefit aircraft by reducing the amount of fuel used during travel due to “wake energy retrieval” – or flying in upwash.  Additionally, Airbus has promised to purchase sustainable air fuels and “in 2023, Airbus reached its goal to reach 10% SAF in its fuel mix,” which experts believe can help reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry.

Aviation’s Sustainable Efforts

The Delta-Airbus partnership is part of focused efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050. Studies have shown that aviation emissions are responsible for up to 3.5% of climate change, leading to stronger storms, poor air quality, and unusual weather patterns. To combat this, Airbus is developing electric and hybrid-electric engines for planes, which could help eliminate carbon emissions on shorter flights. Additionally, lighter, more aerodynamic planes are being tested to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Other measures include smarter air traffic systems to make flight routes more efficient and reduce unnecessary fuel use.

As travel demands increase, the aviation industry will need to look beyond fuel efficiency and design optimization to further reduce carbon emissions by using sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). These fuels can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94%. Airlines are working to make these sustainable fuels  available for use in their fleets, and are seeking to join carbon offset programs by investing in projects like planting trees or supporting renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.

“SAF is the best-known lever we have to decarbonize aviation, and with around 90% of Delta’s carbon emissions coming from jet fuel, we need as much SAF as we can get.” —Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta Air Lines

Creating Safer Skies With Advanced Aviation Technology

Over the past few decades, aviation safety has improved greatly, making air travel one of the safest modes of transportation. According to the International Air Transport Association, there was only one major accident for every 5.58 million flights in 2023, resulting in 202 deaths. In 2003, the accident rate was one major accident for every 2.7 million flights, causing more than 1,000 deaths. This means that the number of accidents has been cut in half in the last 20 years, despite recent tragedies such as the midair collision in Washington, DC, and the Philadelphia medical jet crash.

Overall, better flight management systems, increased pilot training, improved aircraft designs and maintenance, and new technology innovations like AI copilots have made flying safer. Faster responses to safety issues and a stronger focus on safety in airlines and aviation organizations have also contributed to this improved industry trend.

Private partnerships, like that between Delta and Airbus, will also help continue to reduce accidents, make flying even safer, and help improve consumer confidence in air travel.

Join the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

In today’s aviation landscape, there is an established need for well-trained and highly qualified professionals who can keep our skies safe. Pursuing an Aviation Professional Pilot degree at Capitol Technology University offers students a unique opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and hands-on experience in aviation. Our program blends rigorous academic coursework with practical flight training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in aviation management, flight operations, and aerospace technology. Capitol Tech’s expert faculty, industry connections, and state-of-the-art facilities, including an on-campus Flight Simulator Lab and flight hours at Tipton Airport in Ft. Meade, MD, provide students with access to real-world learning opportunities to help them thrive in the ever-evolving aviation arena.

Explore what a degree from Capitol Tech can do for you! To learn more, contact our Admissions team or request more information.