ATLANTA — Delta Air Lines and the National Park Foundation announced a partnership on Sept. 23, creating new initiatives for travelers and airline employees to support national park conservation.
Now, the system of national parks welcoming more than 323 million visitors annually will receive support through joint efforts focused on protection and public engagement.
As part of the initiative, Delta SkyMiles members can donate unused flight miles to the National Park Foundation through the airline’s SkyWish platform.
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The foundation will allocate the donated miles toward programs aimed at protecting park lands and connecting visitors to national park sites across the country.
“National parks are places that bring people together, spark a sense of wonder and create lasting connections to the earth around us,” Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said. “That spirit of connection is at the heart of Delta and it’s why this partnership feels so natural. We’re proud to support the National Park Foundation and help ensure that sense of awe and wonder remains part of the experience for generations to come.”
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Several major national parks — including Grand Teton National Park, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park — are located within a three-hour drive of an airport where Delta flies.
Delta Vacations is also offering travelers additional planning resources.
The company said the partnership connects with Delta’s broader organizational sustainability strategy, which focuses on fleet efficiency, expanding access to sustainable aviation fuel and utilizing operational technologies.
Park advocates said public participation is the key to preserving the natural spaces in the long-term.
“Our partnership with Delta creates an exciting opportunity to connect people with national parks through unforgettable experiences, inspiring park support and building a lasting sense of stewardship that ensures these places are cared for today and far into the future,” Dawn Rodney, Chief External Affairs Officer at the National Park Foundation, said.
Rodney said parks belong to everyone, so everyone needs to pitch in to ensure they are preserved.
Looking ahead, Delta and NPF plan to introduce dedicated airport experiences and park discovery tools for travelers, as well as hands-on volunteer opportunities for customers and employees in national parks and surrounding local communities.
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