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ENVIRONMENT
Ground Support Equipment Electrification Progress
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Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Progress

To reduce fuel burned by GSE that service aircraft between flights, we set a goal to achieve a 25% eGSE fleet by the end of 2022 and are planning for additional investments to achieve a 50% electric fleet (including 100% of electric core eligible GSE in 5 hubs) by the end of 2025 and a 100% electric GSE fleet in Delta’s hubs by 2035. Delta is replacing internal combustion engine (gas and diesel) ground support equipment units with electrically powered equivalents. Electrified products offer improved sustainability and emissions (zero operating emissions, low noise and improved operator air quality), safety (more safety features and powertrain control), reliability (fewer moving parts and complexity), technology (foundation for future investment) and lower operating costs (reduced maintenance and fuel costs). Delta reviews multiple aspects of implementing new products, including safety, environmental impact and responsible supply chains.
25% eGSE by 2022, 50% by 2025, 100% by 2035
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25% eGSE as of December 2022
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Over 650 electric units added in 2022
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Retired over 750 internal combustion engine units in 2022
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100% of baggage tractors and belt loaders (2 largest fleets) bought in 2022 were electric
More than doubled electric fleet since the inaugural 2020 Delta ESG Report (12% in 2020 to 25% in Dec 2022)
Delta’s current lithium battery strategy focuses on lithium iron phosphate due to its increased safety and cobalt-free chemistry.
In 2022, we retired over 750 internal combustion engine units and replaced them with over 650 zero-emissions eGSE units. We bought baggage tractors and belt loaders (two largest fleets) and 100% of the purchase was electrified. Delta has doubled its electric fleet since the inaugural 2020 Delta ESG Report (12% in 2020 to 25% in December 2022).
Expansion of eGSE depends, in part, on an adequate supply of alternative electric equipment and airport investment in charging infrastructure. We will continue working closely with our business partners to test, develop and encourage more eGSE options. Future investment efforts will center around airports that are eGSE ready and have adequate charging capabilities.
Electrification Across Our Key Hubs
As we continue to electrify, the strong internal collaboration between divisions, including Corporate Real Estate, Government Affairs and Airport Customer Service (ACS), has provided the groundwork for advancing the electrification of our operations at Delta’s hubs. Through Terminal Redevelopment efforts at LAX, LGA and SLC, we are adding the charging capacity needed to convert the core ground fleets (baggage tractors, belt loaders and aircraft tow tractors) to 100% electric. Further investments in BOS and SEA charging infrastructure will support 100% electrification of the eligible GSE over the next few years. Our focus in the New York City area (supported by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, IAT and others) led to the replacement of over 170 gas and diesel units and electric equivalents in 2022.
Adding to the hub-specific wins, we reduced our off-road diesel emission rate by 42% over the last four years in California.
The purchase and installation of 40 Ground Power Units (GPUs) and 40 Preconditioned Air (PCA) units from a $5.4M partnership with the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and the Wayne County Airport Authority is an example of how collaboration with local airport authorities and federal programs accelerates efficiencies across our operations. In electrifying our gates, we aim to achieve a reduction of APU usage and, as a result, overall airport emissions.