In mid-May, KLM participated in the Sustainable Flight Challenge, operating two round-trips, Amsterdam (AMS)–Trondheim (TRD) and Amsterdam–Los Angeles (LAX), that featured more than 100 existing and new sustainability initiatives. A total of 22 airlines participated, all aiming to learn from each other’s experiences and improve sustainability.

© KLM

“KLM aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by 30% in 2030, compared to 2019 levels. That’s quite a challenge, because the options to reduce CO₂ emissions in the short run are, regrettably, rather limited. However, we refuse to accept this lying down. Every day, we join hands in seeking new options and solutions that will allow us to achieve our ambitions,” said Marjan Rintel, president & CEO, KLM. “The Sustainable Flight Challenge helps us to do so, offering an oppor­tunity to put new ideas into practice and to learn from the ideas of the other partici­pating airlines. The Challenge is a powerful reminder of the importance of cooperation between colleagues, but also with our partners in the sector and chain. I believe it is incre­dibly important and even essential to share experiences and knowledge. Any initiative that proves to be effective should be implemented as soon as possible. This will enable us to achieve our sustainability ambitions as an industry.”

The flights operated with an Embraer 190 and a Boeing 787-10, respectively. The applied sustainability initiatives included using sustainable aviation fuel, reducing weight through KLM Cargo, using lighter tableware and recycled trays, not serving any meat on the flight from Los Angeles, more sustainable clothing for the flight crew, ground operations ensuring the optimum loading of the aircraft and many other initiatives.