Delta Cargo is looking to boost its operations next year with focus on technology development as part of its digitization efforts.

The American carrier based in Georgia, USA said as part of this focus, a "dynamic pricing engine" will be launched in 2022 along with 

in its operations next year along with other initiatives on the pipeline.

"One of those essential priorities is technology. While the business has made strides in the digitization space this year, we must make it as easy as possible to do business with Delta Cargo by providing differentiated products and services for our customers, while creating the most seamless process possible for our people and partners," said Rob Walpole, vice president at Delta Cargo.

"We already have a few initiatives teed up for 2022, including launching a dynamic pricing engine that will help fuel our distribution strategy," Walpole added, noting that aside from focus on improvements in tools and technology, the airline is also keen to continue its focus on manpower development.

Sustainability focus cited

Delta will also continue to focus on sustainability efforts since becoming the first carbon neutral airline globally in March 2020, the Delta Cargo executive added.

"Sustainability is another important focus, not only for Delta Cargo and the air cargo industry but for the air travel industry at large. Delta continues to build on our sustainability efforts since becoming the first carbon neutral airline globally in March 2020," he said.

Walpole said Delta Cargo began using a 100% biodegradable stretch film and pallet covers in all our stations in 2021, which significantly reduces fossil fuel-based plastic.

Since making this change, the Cargo division has prevented the equivalent of more than 12 million 16 oz. water bottles from languishing in landfills, he added, further saying that the airline "plan to take additional action next year and in the years to come."

Delta has also communicated a fleet plan that foresees significant additional wide-body capacity being added in the next years. 

Walpole noted that Delta Cargo is also on track for its best year ever.

"Delta Cargo is on track to have its best year in its 75-year history, and our financial targets for 2022 are even more ambitious – not only in 2022 but through 2024-2025," Walpole said.

"As we look forward to the next three to four years, we have identified several key opportunity areas that we can work with other Delta partners on (technology, operations and sales, among others), that will help us grow revenue by several hundred million dollars by 2025," he added.

Delta reported that its cargo revenue is up 28% over the two-year benchmark to US$728 million, putting the carrier on track to top US$1 billion because of traditional fourth-quarter strength in shipping volumes tied to big holiday sales.