Sustainable Travel Spotlight: Tim Mapes of Delta Air Lines

As part of Virtuoso’s ongoing commitment to sustainable travel, we’re profiling the experts, trendsetters, and industry leaders making a difference in sustainable tourism today. Here, a conversation with Tim Mapes, the chief marketing and communications officer for Delta Air Lines.   

Delta’s mission. People of all ages and from all corners of the world want to see the planet we live on. At Delta, we do more than simply get you there or bring you back; we want to protect our planet while connecting all of the people and cultures that make life on it so amazing.

Sustainability at Delta. Our many sustainability initiatives include lowering our carbon footprint, reducing waste, and recycling. For example, we’ve recycled more than 3 million pounds of aluminum from onboard waste and used the proceeds from recycled drink cans to fund Habitat for Humanity homes, built by Delta employees. We even recycled employee uniforms through Looptworks when we introduced the new Zac Posen collection last year. Since 2013, Delta has voluntarily purchased over 12 million carbon offsets, which is equivalent to the annual emissions from 1.7 million cars.

It’s more than just a job. As for my family, my wife, Mary, serves on the board of the Jane Goodall Institute and works with Goodall and her team to advance awareness of what we can all do to protect animals, humanity, and the environment. Our home was designed and constructed to be EarthCraft Gold certified, we drive a hybrid SUV, and we financially support environmental organizations. Every day we’re reminded that we all can and should be doing more.– Interviewed by Costas Christ