Educational Program: Sustainability in the Aviation Industry

On Wednesday, May 21, the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA) held an educational program offering the foreign press an opportunity to learn about sustainability in the aviation industry.

The program featured two speakers who imparted valuable information for those in attendance. 

Amelia DeLuca serves as Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta Air Lines, leading the airline on its journey to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. As noted by Delta, before DeLuca ascended to the position, she served as Vice President, International Customer Experience and Partner Sustainability, “leading cross-divisional efforts to deliver a consistent premium customer experience across Delta’s partners.”

Florian Allroggen is Executive Director LAE and Senior Strategic Advisor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Allroggen is co-leading the MIT Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment and the Transportation Decarbonization efforts in the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium.

Amelia DeLuca

Florian Allroggen

This program was moderated by Thanos Dimadis, who is AFPC-USA’s Executive Director.  This program was in partnership with Delta Air Lines, and The AFPC-USA was solely responsible for the structure and the development of the content of this program. Below, foreign correspondents will find a summary of some of the most important takeaways from the presentation.

ALLROGGEN’S INSIGHTS ABOUT MITIGATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF AVIATION (INITIAL PRESENTATION)

• Allroggen provided a detailed academic and scientific perspective on creating a sustainable aviation sector, focusing on environmental sustainability. He emphasized the importance of understanding the causes and potential solutions for the environmental impacts of aviation.

• He began by discussing the core product of aviation—aircraft flying from one airport to another—and the emissions associated with this activity. While noise pollution is the most immediately noticeable impact, aircraft also emit several other substances, including CO2, water vapor, nitrous oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, organic carbons, and black carbon. He highlighted that these emissions are not limited to the aircraft but also come from ground operations and airport facilities, contributing to the overall environmental footprint.

• He emphasized that the climate impacts of aviation are primarily driven by CO2 emissions, which result from burning jet fuel. Additionally, non-CO2 impacts such as condensation trails (contrails) play a significant role. Contrails, which are ice clouds formed from the water vapor in aircraft exhaust, can have both warming and cooling effects depending on various atmospheric conditions. The average impact of contrails is considered to be warming. Allroggen also addressed the secondary effects of aviation emissions, including changes in greenhouse gas concentrations and air pollution, which can affect human health through the formation of fine particles and ozone.

• Moving to solutions, Allroggen proposed a strategic approach to reducing aviation’s environmental footprint by focusing on both energy use and impact intensity. Reducing energy use can be achieved by flying less or increasing energy efficiency. He praised the aviation industry's success in improving fuel efficiency over the past 50 years but stressed that this alone is insufficient.

• To address CO2 emissions, Allroggen advocated for a transition away from fossil fuels. Short-term solutions include using drop-in fuels like biofuels, which can be used in existing aircraft and are produced in a way that offsets the CO2 released during combustion. In the long term, hydrogen-powered or electric aircraft may provide cleaner alternatives, although significant technological challenges remain.

• At one point, he said: “The basic problem is fossil fuel use. You could take carbon out of the ground and release CO2 into the atmosphere. That's the paradigm that we need to break for the energy transition. How do we do this? Well, in the short term we need to fuel what we call a drop in fuel that we can put into our existing aircraft because the aircraft that Amelia gets today is going to be in service by 2050 in all likelihood. We need a fuel that looks like jet fuel, which means that if you burn it, it releases CO2 in the atmosphere. So we need to make it in a way that CO2 released back into the atmosphere was actually sequestered from the atmosphere, taken from the atmosphere in the production of the fuel process. And that's exactly what a biofuel does, and the aviation industry is heavily investing into that.”

Allroggen noted that contrails present another area for potential mitigation. Since contrails only form under specific atmospheric conditions, adjusting flight paths or altitudes to avoid these regions could reduce their impact. Allroggen mentioned ongoing research between MIT and Delta Air Lines to explore the feasibility and benefits of such strategies.

DELUCA’S INSIGHTS INTO DELTA’S SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS (INITIAL PRESENTATION)

DeLuca underscored Delta’s commitment to sustainable aviation through a multifaceted approach involving collaboration, transparency, immediate efficiency measures, long-term technological innovations, and consumer engagement. 

She began: “How do you actually measure success? How do you measure effectiveness? How do you measure accomplishments throughout your daily work, throughout the mission that we are servicing?”

DeLuca stressed that aviation sustainability is highly complex and cannot be achieved by Delta alone. Collaborative efforts with competitors, universities, governments, and customers are essential. In her capacity as Chief Sustainability Officer, she is tasked with ensuring that Delta meets its aims to connect the world while delivering more sustainable travel experiences, with a target of net zero emissions by 2050.

• DeLuca also outlined the value of Delta's annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Reports (the 2023 report is linked HERE). She said Delta emphasizes transparency and has published these reports to detail milestones and progress towards sustainability goals, including emissions portfolios.

• On the subject of emissions and waste management, DeLuca noted that Delta’s impact on the planet comes from both emissions (carbon) and other environmental factors (waste, single-use plastics, energy usage). A six-pillar strategy the company devised addresses both immediate and long-term objectives in flying practices, aircraft efficiency, and fuel usage.

DeLuca delved into Delta’s current initiatives:

• Fuel efficiency is of paramount importance. Immediate measures focus on fuel-saving initiatives, which include optimizing flight operations and reducing aircraft weight. The Carbon Council has saved over 21 million gallons of fuel since 2022.

• She also mentioned some key structural improvements. For instance, innovations like the split scimitar winglet reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Efforts also include lightweight seats and optimized catering and water usage.

She also explored the topic of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which has a critical impact on Delta’s sustainability efforts:

• Sustainable aviation fuel is pivotal in reducing emissions. Delta is actively pursuing the development of SAF from sources like used cooking oil and ethanol.

• “It is a sector that's really important in the United States, but hasn't been one that's really had a strong intersection with the aviation sector up until now,” she says. “And so we're really out there garnering a lot of support, in particular in rural areas as well as Midwestern states in the United States to try to make sure that we can build not just a supply chain, but build it in places where it's most advantageous to build it, which is going to be really taking a global problem and for the first time, making it very, very hyperlocal when it comes to sustainable aviation fuel.”

On the subject of future technologies and innovations, she has this to say:

• In the long term, Delta is exploring battery electric and hydrogen propulsion systems, although these are not expected to be viable for decades.

• Partnerships are also key to these efforts. Collaborations with companies like Airbus (hydrogen aircraft) and Joby (electric air mobility) are underway to explore future aircraft technologies.

• She also brought up the Boeing Truss-Braced Wing (Boeing TTBW), an airliner design initiative studied by Boeing with braced, high aspect ratio wings.

DeLuca touched upon consumer perceptions of the company amid wider concerns about sustainability (or lack thereof) in the private sector:

• Many consumers are unaware of sustainable aviation fuel but are concerned about visible issues like single-use plastics.

• Delta, she says, has also focused on plastic reduction. Delta has significantly reduced single-use plastics and is innovating with plastic-free paper cups that meet international regulations.

• Supply chain management has seen increased visibility and improvements. Delta is increasing visibility into its supply chain’s ESG performance using platforms like EcoVadis—which helps companies manage ESG risk and compliance—and aims to ensure suppliers are aligned with its net zero goals.

• There have also been efforts to revamp Delta’s ground operations. DeLuca noted that efforts to electrify ground support equipment and integrate renewable energy are part of Delta’s broader sustainability initiatives.

Dimadis then moved into the Q&A session, for which more details are provided below.

ON HOW DELTA MEASURES SUCCESS IN ITS DAILY WORK AND MANAGES EXPECTATIONS

• DeLuca contextualizes Delta’s sustainability journey within the framework of the Paris Agreement and the aviation sector’s commitment to net zero emissions. She emphasizes that Delta has established clear milestones for short, medium, and long-term goals to achieve net zero.

• She explained more about her purpose as Chief Sustainability Officer: “The role of a chief sustainability officer is partially to help make those commitments, but then it's really to figure out the how behind it.”

• She noted that while her role doesn't involve creating hydrogen or manufacturing fuel and airplanes, it focuses on forming partnerships and daily efforts to reduce the jet fuel footprint. Moreover, the role involves embedding sustainability into business operations by changing reporting structures, business planning, processes, behaviors, and incentive structures. This transformation aligns sustainability with Delta’s core priorities such as safety, customer experience, and employee experience.

• Measuring progress is really a matter that requires continuous monitoring, she adds. Delta’s progress was traditionally measured annually through ESG reports. Now, there is a shift to daily monitoring, allowing the company to assess and improve operational efficiency on an ongoing basis. This integration of sustainability into daily business practices makes the efforts more tangible and fulfilling.

• She concludes: “Day in, day out, almost on a daily basis, we can actually look back and say, ‘Hey, did we do what we set out to do the day before to operate as efficiently as possible? Why or why not? And then how do we improve as we go to the day before?’ So I think it's becoming more of just a general business practice than it used to be, and that makes it really fulfilling.”

ON THE SUBJECT OF PARTNER SELECTION AND SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTIONS

• DeLuca explains that Delta adopts a highly collaborative approach when selecting partners, aiming to be the best partner and choosing top-tier partners in return. She highlights the partnership with Allroggen and MIT as an example of working with the best in the field.

• She gave a weight reduction example, noting that Delta collaborates with its supply chain to reduce the weight of fixed parts on aircraft. This collaboration involves challenging both parties to innovate and make components lighter, enhancing efficiency.

• She went into further detail about the aforementioned SAF. Delta’s use of SAF, she said, helps reduce its Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from operations). Many of Delta’s corporate and cargo customers, who contribute significantly to its revenue, also have climate goals. These customers actively participate in Delta’s SAF initiatives, even if they are not directly involved in the SAF value chain. This collaboration extends to Delta’s Minnesota SAF hub, where various stakeholders join the effort to support sustainability in aviation.

• Ultimately, DeLuca emphasizes that Delta's history as a great partner attracts collaborators who are eager to work together on difficult sustainability solutions, creating mutually beneficial outcomes that will help the company meet its own goals.

ON HOW BUSINESSES LIKE DELTA “MAKE SPACE” FOR SCIENTISTS AND EXPERTS IN BUILDING POLICY AND STRATEGY

• Allroggen highlights the unique nature of the aviation industry in integrating scientists and experts into sustainability efforts. He emphasizes the industry's complexity and the significant challenge of decarbonizing aviation. He says the sector's historical reliance on continuous progress and innovation has created a natural space for scientific input.

• Allroggen and his team collaborate with Delta and other industry players to tackle unresolved issues. This involves presenting ideas, discussing practicalities, and refining solutions to meet operational realities. The continuous exchange between scientists and industry professionals, including manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, drives progress. This dialogue ensures that innovative ideas are tested and adapted to real-world applications.

• These collaborative efforts have yielded fruitful results. Notably, the aviation industry has significantly improved energy efficiency, reducing the energy required to transport passengers by about 50% since the 1970s. This progress is attributed to the collaborative efforts and engineering innovations resulting from these conversations. He stresses the importance of the industry's collaborative spirit, noting that its openness to new ideas from scientists and experts are essential for advancing sustainability goals. This dynamic allows for practical, effective solutions to emerge from theoretical concepts.

• DeLuca, from a business perspective, emphasizes the foundational role of science in the aviation industry and its essential contribution to daily operations and safety. “I travel a lot and I've been in this industry for a very long time,” she says. “I still marvel at it at times.”

• There is a scientific core to Delta’s sustainability efforts, she says. Science underpins all aspects of Delta’s operations, from safe flying to advanced meteorology for turbulence navigation and fuel efficiency improvements. Disagreements between scientists and business professionals are viewed positively, as part of a necessary process to ensure readiness for operational implementation.

• DeLuca cites the collaboration with MIT on contrail science, highlighting the need for precise science before industry-wide adoption to avoid complicating operations. The iterative dialogue between scientists and business leaders helps refine ideas and ensures practical implementation, with everyone striving for the same sustainability goals.

ON INDUSTRY-WIDE STEPS TOWARDS NET-ZERO EMISSIONS

• Delta, DeLuca says, prioritizes decisions that benefit both employees and customers, aiming for business success by focusing on these groups. Consumer attitudes towards sustainability are highly personal and vary significantly based on geography, with differences noted between US, European, and Latin American consumers. The aviation industry has wisely taken time to understand consumer perspectives before making broad sustainability commitments or asking for consumer participation.

• Additionally, there is a growing global interest in sustainability, reflecting an increasing interest among Delta's consumer base. She observes that passion for sustainability is widespread, not limited to younger generations like Gen Z, but also seen among premium customers and loyalists. This concern is unique in its universality compared to other interests like baggage allowances or flight routings.

• She notes: “Consumers do expect their governments and they expect the businesses that they interact with to also be good stewards to the environment before we get to them to participate.”

• To that end, Allroggen says that the aviation industry's success, particularly in safety, is attributed to collaboration among various stakeholders, including airlines, aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, and fuel providers. The industry relies on established global standards and institutions like ICAO and IATA to foster cooperation and drive discussions on sustainability.

• He also mentions organizational strengths: These institutions enable the aviation sector to unite and address complex issues effectively, a trait that sets it apart from other sectors such as maritime shipping and trucking. This collaborative approach is ingrained in the “industry's DNA,” helping to advance sustainability initiatives in a manner not typically seen in other transportation sectors.

ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY IN AVIATION

DeLuca outlines the US government's focus on incentivizing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production at both federal and state levels. She notes variations in approaches globally, such as the EU's Refuel EU initiative and France's existing mandates. In the US, President Biden's incentives package includes a production tax credit for SAF producers, complemented by state-level initiatives.

Of particular note:

• There have been key federal incentives and state-level initiatives. President Biden's package includes a production tax credit for SAF producers, demonstrating the government's commitment to sustainability in aviation. Additionally, various US states are implementing or considering their own SAF production incentives, reflecting a decentralized but coordinated effort to support the industry.

• This ultimately boosts economic growth and development, she says. The focus on SAF production is seen as an opportunity for economic development, especially in states with existing infrastructure like Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan. While airlines may be competitors in some areas, they collaborate on sustainability initiatives, with DeLuca working closely with counterparts from other airlines to advance necessary policies and drive sustainability goals forward.

Allroggen then tackled the same question:

• He stresses the importance of government encouragement and financial support to facilitate the adoption of sustainable aviation practices. He commends the US government's Inflation Reduction Act for providing funding to scale up SAF production. He underscores the need to learn from initial experiences in SAF production and gradually scale up operations to achieve a sustainable aviation sector. This involves building infrastructure, reducing costs, and refining solutions over time.

• He goes on to discuss the differences between policy approaches, noting that while Europe employs mandates on SAF, the US policy focuses more on incentivizing sustainable solutions. He emphasizes the importance of aligning policies with scientific evidence to effectively achieve sustainability goals. He further highlights the role of scientists in advocating for evidence-based policies and ensuring that decisions align with scientific principles. He stresses the need for policymakers to heed scientific advice to avoid costly mistakes and maintain progress towards sustainability.

ON THEIR RESPECTIVE HOPES AND FEARS

DeLuca

• DeLuca voices concerns about the potential for competing interests and profit-driven motives to undermine sustainability efforts within the industry. She worries that some may enter the market with misguided intentions, risking the trust and integrity of the industry. DeLuca emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being of employees and consumers in decision-making processes.

• Despite her fears, DeLuca remains hopeful for the future, particularly for the next generation. As a mother, she looks forward to the potential impact of future generations, especially those who may receive education and inspiration from institutions like MIT. DeLuca sees these students as the potential change-makers who will drive innovation and unlock solutions for decarbonizing not only the aviation industry but the world at large.

Allroggen

• Allroggen draws hope from his interactions with young students who are passionate about aviation and eager to solve sustainability challenges. He finds inspiration in their enthusiasm and dedication to finding smart solutions for the industry's sustainability problems. Allroggen believes that with the right decisions and innovations, the aviation industry can flourish while addressing environmental concerns.

• Despite his optimism, Allroggen expresses concern about the limited time available to implement necessary changes. He highlights the long lifespan of aircraft and the lead time required for implementing SAF plans. He worries whether the industry can move quickly enough to meet sustainability goals and protect the planet. He emphasizes the urgent need for action and feels a sense of pressure to accelerate progress.