Delta Partners with Maeve Aerospace to advance hybrid regional aircraft
September 18, 2025
Delta Air Lines has announced a new strategic partnership with Dutch startup Maeve Aerospace to accelerate development of the hybrid-electric MAEVE Jet. The next-generation regional aircraft promises to cut fuel burn and emissions by up to 40% compared to today’s regional aircraft. Through the collaboration, Delta becomes Maeve’s North American global airline partner.
The agreement marks the latest milestone in the carrier’s push to reshape its future fleet for greater sustainability.
MAEVE Jet: a first-of-its-kind regional design
Under the agreement, Delta will contribute operational know-how to help bring the MAEVE Jet to commercial readiness for short-haul service. The aircraft’s design concept aims to bring the economics and cabin comfort of a narrowbody aircraft to regional operation. It will feature a five-abreast, single-aisle seating layout.
The aircraft will run on conventional jet fuel or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), offering lifecycle emissions reductions. Hybrid-electric propulsion will assist during low-altitude operations to reduce overall fuel demand.
Maeve says the hybrid model will also enable more electric onboard systems and optimised aerodynamics, further reducing fuel consumption.
“As we work toward the next generation of aircraft, we look to partners like Maeve who embody the bold, forward-thinking innovation we champion at Delta – solutions that advance aircraft design, enhance operational efficiency, elevate employee and customer experiences, and cut emissions,” said Kristen Bojko, Vice President of Fleet at Delta Air Lines. “While driving toward transformative technologies that strengthen our network and redefine regional air travel remains a key priority, we’re equally focused on safety and a more sustainable future of flight.”
Martin Nuesseler, Chief Technology Officer at Maeve Aerospace, said: “It’s a privilege to have Delta as a partner in the development of groundbreaking technologies and processes. Their expertise in fleet innovation and commitment to aviation sustainability is unmatched, and we’re proud to work together to tailor the MAEVE Jet for the US market.”
Delta works to decarbonise its operations as Maeve strikes new airline partnerships
The Maeve agreement follows Delta’s sustainability roadmap, as the airline works to reduce its current carbon footprint through operational efficiencies while investing in future technologies.
The airline recently achieved its first major fuel savings milestone, cutting 1% of its overall jet fuel burn—about 45 million gallons—through operational improvements.
Maeve Aerospace recently signed an agreement with SkyWest to become an equity investor and the launch customer of the hybrid-electric MAEVE Jet. SkyWest Airlines is the world’s largest regional airline, operating in North America on behalf of American Eagle, United Express, Delta Connection and Alaska Airlines.
Expanding Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab portfolio
Maeve becomes the fifth company to join Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab, which was created to advance disruptive technologies across the airline’s network and support its 2050 net-zero emissions goal.
Other Delta Sustainable Skies Lab partners include:
- JetZero, developing a blended wing body mainline aircraft
- Joby Aviation, building an eVTOL air taxi for home-to-airport connections
- Airbus and Boeing, exploring aerodynamic design solutions for future fleets
- Green Taxi Aerospace, developing electric aircraft taxiing systems to reduce carbon emissions at airports
The collaboration with Maeve rounds out Delta’s portfolio with a regional solution to complement its ground, final mile, medium- and long-haul sustainability projects.
