Air carrier Delta Air Lines (DAL) has watered down both its Net-Zero carbon emission goals and plans to use more sustainable aviation fuel despite ramping up investment on premium-paying passengers.
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Net Zero No Longer a Goal
The carrier, has according to a Bloomberg report, erased a pledge to use 10% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030 and has changed its net-zero emissions goal by 2050 as an “aspiration”, rather than a goal.
A Delta spokesperson told Bloomberg that sustainable aviation fuel, made from feedstocks like animal fat or used cooking oil, was still one of the most important ways to decarbonize flights, but that its slow development had become a barrier.
“While we have successfully increased use of SAF every year, we recognize that the technology has not advanced as rapidly as the industry requires,” the spokesperson said.
According to the report, DAL generated about 60 million tons of emissions in 2024. Delta’s overall SAF usage jumped more than six-fold in the past two years to 23 million gallons, but in 2025 it still accounted for only about 0.5% of total jet fuel used by the carrier.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) has also cooled its sustainable ambitions, cutting jobs in its sustainable fuels team and publicly outlining uncertainties around its own goal of reaching 10% SAF by 2030.
Is Trump to Blame?
According to the International Air Transport Association, SAF production in 2025 represented only 0.6% of total jet fuel consumption and is likely to be only 0.8% this year. That’s down, it said, to a lack of production incentives and an SAF price premium over conventional fuel.
It’s not helped by anti-climate change rhetoric from the likes of President Trump, which could be playing a part in big business steering away from climate commitments. He has called climate change a ‘con job.” Corporate America has also watered down DEI initiatives following a backlash from the Trump administration.
Delta, it seems, is more willing to invest in its operations than continuing to go green. Earlier this week, it said it was introducing new Business Class Suites to give long-haul travelers more privacy, comfort, and personalization. The upgraded suites are part of Delta’s ongoing effort to modernize its international fleet and improve the onboard experience as global travel continues to surge.
Is DAL a Good Stock to Buy Now?
On TipRanks, DAL has a Strong Buy consensus based on 15 Buy ratings. Its highest price target is $90. DAL stock’s consensus price target is $80.86, implying a 20.60% upside.
