Delta seeks to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 

By Jun Ji-hye, The Korea Times - Although it is innately difficult to decarbonize the aviation industry, an increasing number of air carriers around the world have moved to join international efforts for carbon neutrality, in line with the global trend of prioritizing environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) business management practices.

Delta Air Lines is one of the airlines that has led such efforts, having been committed to carbon neutrality from March 2020, balancing its emissions with investments to remove carbon across its global operations, according to Matteo Curcio, Delta's vice president of Asia-Pacific.

"Our commitment to carbon neutrality is rooted in the idea that our customers shouldn't have to choose between seeing the world and saving the world," Curcio said during a recent email interview with The Korea Times. "We know the value that travel brings to our lives, and we are dedicated to taking the urgent actions necessary to build a more sustainable future for flight." He said Delta has taken many steps to reduce its carbon emissions, including replacing aging aircraft with more fuel-efficient jets and investing in growing the market for sustainable aviation fuel.

The Atlanta-based airline has also set science-based targets to align its business with the Paris Climate Agreement, and championed coalitions and partnerships to advance toward a future of net-zero aviation.

"In the near term, we continue taking steps to improve our efficiency and reduce emissions, while investing in high-quality, verified offsets that enable us to fly as a carbon-neutral airline today," Curcio said. "In the long term, our goal is net-zero carbon emissions by 2050."

With regard to Korean Air, South Korea's flag carrier, Curcio said the joint venture between the two airlines is a critical part of Delta's efforts to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific.

The Delta-Korean Air partnership has continued since 2000 and the two carriers were founding members of SkyTeam, one of the world's three major airline alliances, formed that year. The two airlines launched a joint venture partnership on May 1, 2018, following the approval of the U.S. and Korean governments in March that year. Since the launch of the joint venture, Delta and Korean Air have strengthened their cooperation by expanding joint operations in the trans-Pacific market, launching new routes such as Minneapolis and Boston to Incheon and expanding connections throughout Asia and the U.S. The two carriers are also working on launching new services to Portland as international travel demand recovers.

"Korean Air is the largest Asian airline to the U.S., and its high-quality service is very appreciated by customers across the globe. Therefore, it is a perfect match for Delta," Curcio said. "Geographically, Korea is favorably positioned as the first point of entry to Asia for North American travelers. Via Incheon International Airport, the Delta-Korean Air joint venture can connect customers with 80 cities in Asia and 290 destinations in the Americas."

Curcio noted, though the COVID-19 pandemic has brought difficult times for the global aviation industry, Delta and Korean Air have remained focused on ensuring the safety of their customers and employees. He emphasized that Delta will continue to cooperate with Korean Air. "When travel demand normalizes, we will work hard to expand our network between the U.S. and Asia, utilizing the industry-leading Incheon International Airport as our hub airport," he said.

 

Commenting on Korean Air's planned takeover of Asiana Airlines, the No. 2 carrier in Korea, Curcio said the merger is expected to contribute to a stronger overall aviation market in Korea and further expand travel between Asia and the U.S.

In November 2020, Korean Air announced its plan to acquire Asiana Airlines, which could create a mega carrier ranking within the global top 10. Relevant procedures for the takeover, including a review by the Korea Fair Trade Commission, are ongoing. "As travel demand returns, a consolidated airline will be well-positioned to succeed and be a stronger partner for Delta," Curcio said.

As customers are set to return to the skies, with more countries deciding to open their borders especially to fully vaccinated travelers, Delta remains focused on increasing stability and trust, Curcio said, noting that hygiene remains a crucial component. "Our cleanliness efforts kept our customers and employees safe throughout the pandemic. We continually evolve our layers of protection to offer customers a safer, cleaner travel experience," he said. "We're also making investments in our business to elevate the customer experience, including technology, enabling efficiency and improving our digital capabilities."

Since Nov. 8, customers on most of Delta's international routes can use Delta FlyReady to digitally verify COVID-19 test results and proof of vaccination status, he added.

Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2021/11/419_318497.html 

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