Delta Air Lines has exciting news to share as they celebrate their 100th anniversary - a special partnership with aerospace giant Airbus. To commemorate a century of flying, the airlines announced the launch of their innovative 'UpNext' program at the CES 2025 technology conference in Las Vegas. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the future of aviation by developing cutting-edge technologies.

Under the UpNext program, Delta and Airbus will focus on three key areas of innovation. This includes establishing a network of innovation labs where both companies will collaborate on fast-track technology solutions to enhance aviation through Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab. In addition, Airbus will set up new innovation facilities globally, including a dedicated Airbus UpNext center. Together, they will explore advancements in areas such as wing performance, fuel efficiency, superconductivity, and more, to shape the future of aircraft technology.

Delta's CEO, Ed Bastian, emphasized the importance of expanding travel accessibility, stating, "Our job isn’t to transport people. It’s to bring them together." This sentiment embodies their commitment to bridging divides and connecting people worldwide through air travel.

Furthermore, this collaboration will delve into innovative flight operations, with Delta planning to test Airbus' 'fello’fly' technique. Inspired by migrating geese, this technique optimizes fuel efficiency by pairing flights for reduced consumption. Additionally, the partners will explore the scaling up of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, aligning with Airbus' sustainable aerospace vision.

Julie Kitcher, Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer, expressed their shared commitment to pioneering sustainable aviation, saying, "Together, we are addressing today’s challenges and shaping a more connected, lower carbon future for generations of travelers to come." This partnership represents a significant step towards sustainable aviation practices and groundbreaking innovations.

As part of Delta's centennial celebrations, the airlines transformed the SPHERE arena in Las Vegas into a remarkable exhibit showcasing the evolution of aviation over the past 100 years. The display featured interactive elements representing Delta's rich history and its vision for the future. Currently operating a fleet of 492 Airbus aircraft with more on order, Delta continues to soar towards a more sustainable and connected future in aviation.