KLM and KLM Cityhopper raise awareness of SAF during The Aviation Challenge
KLM and KLM Cityhopper will once again take part in The Aviation Challenge (TAC) at the end of September. The SkyTeam initiative brings airlines together to test new ideas for more sustainable aviation and share learnings across the industry. The theme of the fifth edition in 2026 is Collective Momentum, highlighting how airlines, passengers, crew, airports, and partners can work together to help accelerate the industry's sustainability efforts.
The aviation industry faces significant challenges. By continuing to develop, test, and implement new solutions, KLM aims to contribute to a future in which air travel becomes increasingly efficient. The Aviation Challenge provides an opportunity to explore what works in practice together with partners and passengers, while learning from one another.
As part of TAC, KLM will operate a showcase flight from Amsterdam to Delhi on September 28. KLM Cityhopper will operate a showcase flight from Amsterdam to Dublin on September 30 using an Embraer E195-E2. During both flights, a range of initiatives will be tested that may contribute to a more efficient operation, reduced fuel consumption, and greater awareness and understanding of SAF.
KLM: Increasing awareness of SAF
Throughout October, KLM will focus on increasing awareness and understanding of SAF and its importance in reducing aviation emissions. Passengers will receive information about SAF through several channels and learn how they can support its use. KLM will show an onboard SAF information video and feature SAF-related content in its in-flight magazine, Holland Herald. The airline will also explore how crew members and KLM Sustainability Ambassadors can actively engage passengers in conversations about SAF.
KLM Cityhopper: Building on proven solutions
During its Dublin showcase flight, KLM Cityhopper will test several operational initiatives, including the use of the TaxiBot, which allows aircraft to be towed from the gate to the runway without using their main engines. In partnership with SITA, the airline will also evaluate OptiDescent, a tool designed to support more efficient descent profiles. Additional onboard waste-sorting solutions will be tested, including a new cup holder and potentially an updated waste trolley.
The focus is not solely on technology. During the flight, passengers will be invited to share their ideas for the future of KLM Cityhopper through the Message in a Bottle initiative, as the airline celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
Through these various initiatives, KLM and KLM Cityhopper aim to demonstrate that advancing sustainability requires progress on multiple fronts, from operational innovation to increased awareness and collaboration with passengers and partners.
Further improving the sustainability of aviation requires both innovation and collaboration. The Aviation Challenge brings those two elements together. By testing new solutions in real-life operations and actively involving passengers, colleagues, and partners, we can learn from one another and take meaningful steps forward together.
Following the challenge flights, participating airlines will share their results and insights so that successful initiatives can be further assessed and, where possible, considered for broader implementation in day-to-day operations.
Also focusing on social impact
In addition to making its operations more sustainable, KLM is also focusing on its social impact as part of The Aviation Challenge. To this end, KLM works closely with Wings of Support, KLM’s preferred NGO. Wings of Support is an independent foundation run by KLM employees on a voluntary basis. It provides financial support to local organisations at KLM destinations around the world, made possible by donations and sponsorships. The foundation helps children improve their quality of life through projects focused on education, care and medical support.
This year, The Aviation Challenge highlights Kirby Place, a small school in a slum area of Delhi. Young children receive basic education here, while older children are supported in their further development. Wings of Support has supported the school with, among other things, improving its water supply and providing educational materials, including computers.