Delta and Maeve target cleaner regional flights

Delta Air Lines has announced a strategic partnership with Maeve Aerospace to support the development of the Maeve Jet, a hybrid-electric aircraft designed to transform regional aviation. The aircraft promises up to 40% fuel savings compared to conventional regional jets, with further reductions possible through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The collaboration marks a significant step in Delta’s journey towards ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050 and reflects its commitment to pioneering cleaner, more-efficient aircraft technologies.

As Maeve’s exclusive North American airline partner, Delta will contribute operational expertise to help tailor the Maeve Jet for the US market. The aircraft’s design is a ‘bold re-imagining of regional travel’, offering the comfort and economics of a narrow-body airliner in a five-abreast, single-aisle configuration. This approach is intended to set a new benchmark for short-haul sustainability and passenger experience.

The partnership also sees Maeve join Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab, becoming the fifth revolutionary fleet partner in the airline’s 2023 Sustainability Roadmap. Maeve’s hybrid-electric solution complements Delta’s existing collaborations with JetZero, Joby Aviation, Airbus and Boeing, each focused on different aspects of future aircraft design and operation. Together, these partnerships form a comprehensive strategy across short, medium and long-haul markets.

Delta’s broader sustainability strategy is built around three pillars: what it flies, how it flies, and the fuel it uses. From investing in next-generation aircraft and scaling SAF adoption to optimising flight operations and reducing onboard weight, the airline is taking a holistic approach to decarbonising air travel.

Bold, forward-thinking innovation
Kristen Bojko, vice president of fleet at Delta Air Lines, said: “Delta is proud to collaborate with Maeve to help shape the next chapter of regional aviation and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future of flight. As we work toward the next generation of aircraft, we look to partners like Maeve who embody the bold, forward-thinking innovation we champion at Delta – solutions that advance aircraft design, enhance operational efficiency, elevate employee and customer experiences, and cut emissions.”

The Maeve Jet’s hybrid-electric engine architecture provides power assistance during low-altitude operations, enabling optimisation of both the power plant and wing design for reduced fuel consumption. The model also supports the integration of more electric aircraft systems, further enhancing efficiency.

Martin Nuesseler, chief technology officer at Maeve Aerospace, added: “It is a privilege to have Delta as a partner in the development of groundbreaking technologies and processes. Their expertise in fleet innovation and commitment to aviation sustainability is unmatched, and we are proud to work together to tailor the Maeve Jet for the US market.”

In addition to its work with Maeve, Delta is partnering with Green Taxi Aerospace to develop electric taxiing technology for regional aircraft. This initiative, also part of the Sustainable Skies Lab, aims to reduce fuel use, operating costs, taxi time and carbon emissions. The Green Taxi collaboration exemplifies Delta’s dual approach — making immediate operational improvements while investing in transformative technologies for the future.