Delta Launches Program to Help Support Healthy Bee Population

Though it may be a somewhat unexpected alliance, Delta Airlines has announced that it is working with Bee Downtown to help stabilize the honey bee population.

The announcement makes Delta the first company in its hometown of Atlanta and the first U.S. airline, to host honey bee hives built and supported by Bee Downtown, a North Carolina startup.

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Delta’s three hives are located at the airline’s world headquarters and will be monitored by trained beekeepers from Bee Downtown.

The airline said in a statement that the hive initiative supports its broader goal to be an environmentally sustainable, responsible business. Delta's honey bees will be able to fly up to three miles in search of nectar, contributing to the plant life the airline’s surrounding community.

"Part of being a sustainable company is taking care of and supporting the communities where Delta people live, work and serve," said Christine Boucher, managing director, global environment, sustainability and compliance. "While Delta does this in a number of ways globally, we're excited to be partnering with Bee Downtown to positively impact the areas directly surrounding our world headquarters to support and build a healthy honey bee population."

There has been a 40 percent decline in the honey bee population over the past decade, according to Bee Downtown founder and CEO Leigh-Kathryn Bonner, who was inspired by that decline to start her business. Bonner, 25, was recently recognized as one of Inc. magazine's 2018 30 Under 30 for her efforts.

"Every third bite of food we eat is thanks to a honey bee. They're the backbone of our agricultural system,” said Bonner. “Bee Downtown fights the devastation of these important natural workers by installing and maintaining company-sponsored hives in urban areas, where bees thrive due to diverse food sources and stable living conditions."

Bee Downtown is one of eight companies that received investments from the Atlanta-based Engage accelerator, which offers mentoring, education and collaboration opportunities for startups. As part of that support, the start-ups work with Engage’s ten founding companies, of which Delta is one.

The honey bee is a vital part of the ecosystem, pollinating 70 of the world's top 100 food crops, which feed billions of people across the globe. They also support the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants, which serve as food and shelter for wild animals and insects.

Each of Delta's hives will be able to produce between 40 to 70 pounds of honey per year. The airline is planning to use that honey in some way to benefit the community.

Delta's employees will also benefit from the new project. Bee Downtown will engage airline employees in beekeeping training, leadership development and teamwork sessions.

Delta was recently named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Worldwide in 2018.