Delta spends US$2m on biofuel study as sector eyes 2050 carbon goal

Delta Air Lines is investing US$2m to research the feasibility of developing biofuel products from forest floor debris in an effort to improve sustainability, the airline said Tuesday. The study, which the carrier is conducting with Northwest Advanced Bio-fuels in Washington State, comes as the broader airline industry eyes ambitious carbon-reduction goals. Delta expects its project will be complete by mid-2020, when it will evaluate next steps. The airline says sustainable aviation fuel made from wood residue and forest debris could be used in Delta operations in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It could be delivered as soon as 2023. Delta says it is studying alternative fuels as a means to help reach a goal of reducing carbon emissions 50% by 2050. <br/>