Ameer Randolph
Delta Air Lines has been working towards reducing its fuel consumption and transitioning to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to lower its carbon footprint. In 2024, Delta consumed $4.1 billion of fuel (in gallons), with a total fuel bill of $10.5 billion. The airline has implemented various initiatives to reduce fuel usage, such as enhanced landing procedures, reduced auxiliary power unit usage, and fleet renewal. Delta has also invested in retrofitting its aircraft with updated technologies, such as winglets, to optimise and reduce fuel consumption. In addition, Delta has embraced the use of SAF, with a goal of 10% SAF use by 2030 and 95% by 2050. These efforts towards sustainability and decarbonisation are expected to result in significant cost savings for the airline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount spent on fuel in 2024 | $10.5 billion |
| Amount spent on fuel in 2023 | $3.9 billion |
| Amount spent on fuel in 2022 | $3.4 billion |
| Amount of fuel consumed in 2024 | 4.1 billion gallons |
| Amount of fuel consumed in 2023 | 3.9 billion gallons |
| Amount of fuel consumed annually | 3.9 billion gallons |
| Improvement in fleet-wide fuel efficiency between 2019 and 2024 | 6.6% |
| Number of aircraft in 2024 | 1,292 |
| Number of aircraft in 2019 | 1,062 |
| Target SAF use by 2030 | 10% |
| Target SAF use by 2035 | 35% |
| Target SAF use by 2050 | 95%+ |
| Amount of SAF to be purchased between 2027 and 2035 | 385 million gallons |
| Amount of fuel saved by Delta TechOps' 10-year agreement with AeroCore Technologies | 4 million gallons per year |
| Amount of fuel saved by Delta and Boeing's reduced flaps landing procedure on the 717 fleet | 1 million gallons per year |
| Amount of fuel saved in 2024 | 41 million gallons |
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What You'll Learn
Delta's fuel bill in 2024 was $10.5 billion
Delta Air Lines' fuel bill in 2024 was $10.5 billion, according to the airline's annual report filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 11, 2025. This amount is lower than in previous years, despite an increase in fuel usage. In 2023, Delta's fuel bill was $3.9 billion, and in 2022, it was $3.4 billion. The decrease in fuel costs can be attributed to the airline's focus on fuel efficiency and sustainability initiatives.
Delta has made significant progress towards its sustainability and decarbonization goals. The airline has invested in retrofitting its existing fleet with updated technologies that optimize and reduce fuel consumption. For example, they have fitted split-scimitar winglets on its Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft, which reduce drag and allow aircraft to burn less fuel. In addition, Delta has also been working on enhanced landing procedures that help reduce fuel burn, such as the reduced flaps landing procedure on the 717 fleet, which is expected to save up to 1 million gallons of fuel per year.
The airline's Carbon Council has played a crucial role in driving these initiatives. The council is composed of leaders from across the airline, working collaboratively to implement flight metrics and actions that save jet fuel. Their efforts have resulted in substantial fuel savings, with a cumulative 41 million gallons of jet fuel saved in 2024, leading to over $100 million in cost savings.
Looking forward, Delta has embraced the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in its pursuit of net-zero emissions. SAF is made from plant materials and is expected to significantly reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. While SAF is currently more expensive and has limited supply, Delta has set targets for its adoption, aiming for 10% by 2030, 35% by 2035, and 95% by 2050. The airline has also committed to electrifying all ground equipment at U.S. airports and reducing single-use plastics on board its flights.
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Delta's fuel usage climbed by more than 5% in 2024
Delta Air Lines' fuel usage climbed by more than 5% in 2024, despite enjoying lower fuel prices throughout the year compared to 2023. The carrier's fuel bill was $10.5 billion in 2024, a decrease from $3.9 billion in 2023 and $3.4 billion in 2022. This decrease in fuel expenditure can be attributed to Delta's focus on fleet renewal and optimization, which resulted in a 6.6% improvement in fleet-wide fuel efficiency from 2019 to 2024. During this period, Delta took delivery of 38 new aircraft that are, on average, 28% more fuel-efficient per seat mile than the retired aircraft.
Delta's commitment to sustainability and decarbonization also played a significant role in reducing fuel consumption. The airline implemented various initiatives, such as enhanced routing and landing procedures, reductions in catering service weight, and decreased auxiliary power unit usage. These efforts led to cumulative fuel savings of 41 million gallons in 2024, resulting in cost savings of over $100 million.
Additionally, Delta's Carbon Council has been instrumental in driving operational changes to save jet fuel. The council has worked across different teams to reduce APU run-time between flights and improve engine performance, contributing to significant fuel savings.
Looking forward, Delta plans to transition to "sustainable aviation fuel" (SAF) to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. SAF is currently more expensive than regular jet fuel, but Delta has set targets to increase its usage of SAF gradually, aiming for 10% by 2030, 35% by 2035, and 95% by 2050.
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Delta's 2024 fleet was 19% larger than in 2019
Delta Air Lines has been working towards improving its fuel efficiency and reducing its fuel consumption. In 2025, the airline achieved a significant milestone in its strategic sustainability roadmap by achieving a 1% fuel burn savings, equivalent to 45 million gallons of jet fuel. This accomplishment translates to more than $110 million in annual cost savings for the airline.
Delta's focus on fleet renewal and optimization between 2019 and 2024 has resulted in a 6.6% improvement in fleet-wide fuel efficiency. By 2024, Delta's fleet had grown to 1,292 aircraft, a 19% increase compared to 2019 when they had 1,062 aircraft. This expansion highlights the importance of fuel efficiency improvements as the airline's fuel usage climbed by more than 5% year-on-year.
To achieve these fuel efficiency gains, Delta has implemented several initiatives. They have invested in retrofitting their existing fleet with updated technologies, including fitting split-scimitar winglets on their Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft. These winglets, along with enhanced winglets on other aircraft, help to smooth airflow and reduce drag, resulting in lower fuel burn. Delta has also worked on enhanced landing procedures, such as the reduced flaps landing procedure on the 717 fleet, which is expected to save up to 1 million gallons of fuel annually.
Additionally, Delta TechOps' agreement with AeroCore Technologies for their Nucleated Foam Technology will improve engine performance and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The airline is also exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and has set targets for its adoption, aiming for 10% by 2030, 35% by 2035, and 95% by 2050. SAF is currently more expensive and has limited supply, but Delta is committed to increasing its use as production capacity grows.
In summary, Delta's 2024 fleet expansion of 19% compared to 2019 highlights the importance of their focus on fuel efficiency improvements. By investing in fleet renewal, optimizing operations, and exploring sustainable alternatives, Delta has made significant strides towards reducing fuel consumption and costs while also contributing to their long-term sustainability goals.
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Delta's fuel efficiency improved by 6.6% between 2019 and 2024
Delta Air Lines has been working towards improving its fuel efficiency and reducing its fuel costs. The airline's efforts have resulted in a significant improvement in fuel efficiency between 2019 and 2024.
In 2025, Delta announced that it had achieved a 6.6% improvement in fleet-wide fuel efficiency since 2019. This was accomplished through fleet renewal and optimization efforts, including the addition of more fuel-efficient aircraft to its fleet. In 2024 alone, Delta took delivery of 38 new aircraft, which are, on average, 28% more fuel-efficient per seat mile than the aircraft it has been retiring since 2019.
Delta has also invested in retrofitting its existing fleet with updated technologies, such as fitting split-scimitar winglets on its Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft, which help to reduce fuel consumption by smoothing airflow and reducing drag. Additionally, Delta TechOps signed an agreement for Nucleated Foam Technology, which improves engine performance and reduces fuel consumption.
The airline's focus on fuel efficiency has resulted in substantial cost savings. In 2024, Delta spent $10.5 billion on fuel, compared to $11.2 billion in 2023 and $10.6 billion in 2022. The airline's cost per available seat mile (CASM) has also decreased in the past three years, contributing to overall cost savings.
Delta's efforts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption are part of its broader sustainability strategy. The airline is committed to decarbonizing its operations and making changes to save on jet fuel. Delta's Carbon Council plays a crucial role in implementing flight metrics and actions that contribute to achieving these sustainability goals.
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$396.61
Delta's sustainability targets: 10% SAF by 2030, 35% by 2035, and 95%+ by 2050
Delta Air Lines has outlined clear sustainability targets to reduce its environmental impact and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The airline has set specific goals for the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with targets of 10% SAF usage by 2030, 35% by 2035, and over 95% by 2050.
To meet these targets, Delta is taking a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, they are transitioning their fleet to more fuel-efficient aircraft. This includes investing in next-generation aircraft that offer improved fuel efficiency per seat mile. For example, between 2019 and 2024, Delta's fleet renewal efforts resulted in a 6.6% improvement in fleet-wide fuel efficiency. Additionally, they are retrofitting existing aircraft with updated technologies, such as winglets, which reduce drag and fuel burn.
Secondly, Delta is adopting new technologies and procedures to improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. This includes enhanced landing procedures, engine wash programs, and the use of lightweight materials. Their Carbon Council plays a crucial role in driving these operational changes, with initiatives that have already saved the company over 45 million gallons of jet fuel.
Thirdly, Delta is actively increasing its use of SAF. They have entered into long-term agreements for the procurement of SAF, with a goal of over 400 million gallons of SAF annually by the end of 2030. By committing to future offtakes, Delta is stimulating investment in the production of SAF. Additionally, they are partnering with researchers and innovators, such as their collaboration with Airbus' ZEROe initiative, to explore advanced aircraft technologies that can further improve fuel efficiency beyond 2035.
By pursuing these strategies, Delta is not only reducing its fuel costs but also working towards its ambitious sustainability targets. The airline recognizes the importance of addressing the climate impact of aviation and is committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, understanding that decarbonizing flight operations is essential to achieving this goal.
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Frequently asked questions
Delta Air Lines spent $10.5 billion on fuel in 2024, consuming 3.9 billion gallons of jet fuel.
Delta has implemented several initiatives to reduce fuel costs, including enhanced routing and landing procedures, reductions to catering service weight, and reduced auxiliary power unit usage. Delta also invested in retrofitting its existing fleet with updated technologies that optimize and reduce fuel consumption.
Delta has embraced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of its net-zero pursuit. SAF is made from plant materials and timber waste, corn stover, and cotton gin waste. Delta plans to increase its use of SAF gradually, with targets of 10% by 2030, 35% by 2035, and 95% by 2050.
Delta's fuel-saving initiatives have resulted in significant cost savings. For example, in 2024, Delta saved 41 million gallons of jet fuel, resulting in over $100 million in cost savings. Additionally, in 2025, Delta achieved a 1% fuel burn savings, equivalent to 45 million gallons of jet fuel, worth more than $110 million in annual cost savings.
