In a new initiative, Delta Air Lines launched its first-ever Sustainable Skies Challenge this year, partnering with Junior Achievement (JA) Europe. This ambitious project aimed to spark eco-friendly aviation solutions from Europe’s brightest young minds, setting a new standard for industry-wide sustainability efforts.
The competition, held on May 21-22 in Atlanta, was a testament to Delta’s commitment to fostering innovation and environmental stewardship.
The challenge gained significant attention at the GEN-E 2024 festival in Catania, Italy (July 2-4), where thousands of young entrepreneurs showcased their cutting-edge business ideas. They competed for prestigious titles such as ‘Best Company’ and ‘Best Start-Up of the Year.’
GEN-E 2024: A Hub of Innovation and Sustainability
The GEN-E 2024 festival served as a vibrant platform, uniting young entrepreneurs, industry experts, and educators to celebrate and inspire innovation.
Attendees immersed themselves in a diverse range of activities, including interactive workshops. In addition, there were thought-provoking panel discussions, career fairs, and valuable networking opportunities.
These events were carefully crafted to empower youth and promote sustainable business practices. It aimed to create a fertile ground for the next generation of eco-conscious leaders.
Sustainable Solutions Take Flight
The journey to the final challenge began in April when nine teams from across Europe competed in an initial pitch competition. These young innovators researched and presented unique, eco-friendly solutions. Each held the potential to create positive impacts across the broader aviation industry.
The diversity and ingenuity of the proposals were impressive. They ranged from advanced research in cogeneration to designing inflight uniforms using fruit fibers. These creative solutions demonstrated the next generation’s commitment and capability in tackling climate change head-on.
The Final Pitch: Innovation in Action
Following the initial round, three exceptional teams of JA Europe Alumni advanced to the final Sustainable Skies Challenge pitch:
- Team Nocta from Lithuania
- Team Fictionnal Jobs from France
- Team The Sky Isn’t the Limit from the Netherlands
In an exciting culmination of the challenge, two members from each finalist team were flown to Delta’s headquarters in Atlanta. There, they had the opportunity to present their innovative ideas to an esteemed panel of Delta leaders.
This panel included key figures such as Tad Hutcheson, Managing Director of Community Engagement; Kelly Lauber, General Manager for Global Sustainability and Strategy; Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Managing Director of Inflight Entertainment and Wi-Fi Experience; and Gail Grimmett, S.V.P. – Sustainability Performance & Strategic Partnerships.
Team The Sky Isn’t the Limit emerged victorious after careful deliberation. Their winning proposal presented an innovative idea and a comprehensive business plan. The proposal aimed to make the airline food supply chain more sustainable. It addressed a critical area of environmental impact in the aviation industry.
Delta’s Commitment to Sustainability
The Sustainable Skies Challenge is just one facet of Delta’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship.
At the GEN-E 2024 festival, Delta representatives Tricia Rumola, General Manager of Community Engagement, and Matteo Curcio, Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI) and JA Europe Board Member, served as judges for the Upper-Secondary competition.
They awarded the Delta Air Lines Sustainable Innovation Award to Plantech. This is a company that developed a self-watering plant pot technology controlled via a smartphone app.
In a special podcast episode recorded ahead of the GEN-E 2024 festival, Matteo Curcio expressed his enthusiasm for the competition and Delta’s sustainability efforts.
“There is no idea or initiative too small to explore, so don’t let the difficulties deter you,” Curcio emphasized. “Delta supports organizations like Junior Achievement because we’re teaching youth how to be stewards for the future. The solutions exist, we just have to create them.”
Looking Ahead
This initiative is part of Delta’s broader partnership with Junior Achievement, which spans 30 chapters across five continents. Through this collaboration, Delta aims to teach students essential skills in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship.
By engaging and inspiring the next generation of thinkers and doers, the airline is not just investing in its own future but in the future of the planet.
Delta looks forward to continuing this collaboration, driving meaningful change, and inspiring the next wave of innovators and entrepreneurs who will shape the sustainable aviation landscape of tomorrow.
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