Delta has announced a new partnership with Airbus as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.
The airline says UpNext will position the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer and its largest operator at the forefront of advancing next generation aviation technologies to revolutionise the future of flying.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines said at CES 2025 in Las Vegas: “It’s estimated that 80 percent or more of the world’s population has never experienced air travel. That’s why, as we continue to expand as an international airline, increasing the world’s access to travel isn’t just an opportunity – it’s our responsibility.
“We live in a divided world, which is why what we do at Delta is so important. Our job isn’t to transport people. It’s to bring them together.”
The announcement involves three key areas, including a Network of Innovation Labs that sees Delta and Airbus collaborating on early-stage, fast-track technology solutions to advance the future of aviation through Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab and a multitude of Airbus’ innovation labs across the globe, including Airbus UpNext. The two companies will explore wing performance, fuel efficiency, superconductivity, advanced aircraft assistance, and other technologies which may be needed for future aircraft.
Another part of the partnership is the future flight operations. Delta says it will test a new flying technique pioneered by Airbus called fello’fly which takes inspiration from migrating geese and showcases the power of collaboration by pairing flights. With this flying technique, the first aircraft creates an uplift that drives fuel efficiency for the following aircraft, called wake energy retrieval, which can reduce fuel consumption.
Scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel is also part of the initiative and Airbus announced its commitment to join the Minnesota SAF Hub, a first-of-its-kind SAF coalition that brings together stakeholders with a shared commitment to aggressively decarbonise the airline industry.
“At Airbus, we pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world,” said Julie Kitcher, Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications.
“With Delta we are redefining the future of aviation. By leveraging our combined expertise, we are accelerating groundbreaking innovations—from advancing cutting-edge flight techniques to scaling up the production of renewable fuels (SAF). Together, we are addressing today’s challenges and shaping a more connected, lower carbon future for generations of travellers to come.”- inflight
