Delta Partners with Maeve Aerospace to Boost Development of Hybrid Regional Aircraft
Delta Air Lines announced a strategic alliance with Maeve Aerospace to support the development of the MAEVE Jet, an innovative hybrid-electric aircraft designed for regional flights. This model aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% compared to current aircraft, with the potential for even greater reductions when using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
This move reinforces Delta’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, combining operational efficiency, new technologies, and alternative fuels.
The MAEVE Jet: Comfort and Efficiency for Short-Haul Flights
Delta will be Maeve’s global partner in North America, contributing its operational expertise during the development phase of the new aircraft.
The MAEVE Jet stands out as the first aircraft of its kind in the regional segment, offering the economic advantages and comfort of a narrow-body aircraft on short-haul routes. With a five-abreast single-aisle seating configuration, it promises to set a new standard in sustainability and travel experience.
According to Maeve, the hybrid-electric powertrain will enable better performance in low-altitude operations and facilitate the integration of more electric systems, optimizing the aircraft’s fuel consumption and aerodynamics.
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Delta Sustainable Skies Lab: Five Revolutionary Partners
The addition of Maeve makes the company the fifth partner in the revolutionary fleet within Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab, a dedicated space for accelerating sustainable solutions. This project aligns with the airline’s 2023 Sustainability Roadmap.
The other strategic partners are:
- JetZero, with its blended wing body design.
- Joby, developing home-to-airport air mobility options.
- Airbus and Boeing, which are researching new aerodynamic design solutions.
Three Pillars of Delta’s Sustainability Strategy
Delta structures its plan around three core pillars:
- What We Fly: Investment in next-generation aircraft.
- How We Fly: Optimization of operations, onboard weight reduction, and efficiency improvements.
- Fuel We Use: Boosting the use of SAF and cleaner alternatives.
Kristen Bojko, Vice President of Fleet at Delta, emphasized: “We seek partners like Maeve who represent the bold, forward-thinking innovation we champion at Delta. Advancing aircraft design, improving operational efficiency, and cutting emissions are priorities, all while keeping safety and the customer experience at the forefront.”
Beyond Aircraft: The Green Taxi Project
Delta’s regional focus also includes a partnership with Green Taxi Aerospace, which aims to develop electric taxi technology for aircraft. This solution is intended to decrease fuel consumption, operational costs, taxi time, and emissions at airports.
Delta is contributing its operational expertise to optimize this system, thereby reinforcing its strategy of working on immediate solutions while also pursuing future innovations like scaling SAF and developing revolutionary aircraft.
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