“The coronavirus pandemic has led to severe travel restrictions, which also vary from country to country. Cancelled flights were a further consequence. Within a short space of time it became virtually impossible for seafarers to travel home from ocean-going vessels and vice versa,” says KVNR CEO Annet Koster. “We are very grateful to KLM for having embraced this initiative and for the fact that the air bridges are now a reality. This is a welcome development for seafarers, their families and shipowners alike.”

KLM will begin implementing the plan – drawn up jointly with KVNR and Boers Crew Services – to once again facilitate crew replenishment. The (Dutch) shipowners have the greatest need for air bridges between Amsterdam, which is close to many major seaports in Northwest Europe, and the Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia and Poland, where most seafarers reside.

KLM is already operating flights between Amsterdam and Warsaw, and is currently in consultation with the Russian and Ukrainian governments and aviation authorities to obtain permission to operate flights to Kiev and St. Petersburg. As of 25 May, KLM will be operating four flights a week between Amsterdam and Manila, stopping over in Bangkok.

Harm Kreulen, Managing Director KLM The Netherlands: “With the strategic location of our Schiphol hub in combination with the Ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, KLM has for many years been a major worldwide carrier of seafarers. Many of the clients united under KVNR are also counted amongst KLM’s key corporate clients and business relations. It’s fantastic, especially at a time like this, that we can show our loyalty to this sector by establishing these ‘air bridges’. The initiative also ties in perfectly with the further resumption of service across our network.”

All information on “Fly Responsibly” know how, actions and events can be found on the online platform.  

The aircraft was originally conceptualised as a potential aircraft design for the future, but can be compared to today’s most advanced aircraft, the Airbus A350. Although the plane is not as long as the A350, it does have the same wingspan. This will enable the Flying-V to use existing infrastructure at airports, such as gates and runways, without difficulty and the aircraft will also fit into the same hangar as the A350. What’s more, the Flying-V will carry the same number of passengers – 314 in the standard configuration – and the same volume of cargo, 160m^3. The Flying-V will be smaller than the A350, giving it less aerodynamic resistance.

The aircraft’s v-shaped design will integrate the passenger cabin, the cargo hold and the fuel tanks in the wings. Its improved aerodynamic shape and reduced weight will mean it uses 20% less fuel than the Airbus A350, today’s most advanced aircraft. A flying scale model and a full-size section of the interior of the Flying-V will be officially presented at the KLM Experience Days at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in October on the occasion of KLM’s 100^th anniversary.

Improved passenger experience

The Flying-V also provides researchers a unique opportunity to improve passenger experience in aircraft, from the seating layout in the wings, to the design of the seats and bathrooms. Everything has to be as lightweight as possible in order to maximise the efficiency gain the new aircraft shape provides. Passenger comfort is also taken into account.

Fuel versus electric propulsion

The Flying-V is propelled by the most fuel-efficient turbofan engines that currently exist. In its present design it still flies on kerosene, but it can easily be adapted to make use of innovations in the propulsion system – by using electrically-boosted turbofans for example.

1,318 tonnes of sustainable biofuel purchased
All of KLM’s flights from Angeles to Amsterdam have been partly fuelled using biofuel since 2016. This means that up to and including 2018, around 1,500 flights have been powered by a biofuel mix. In May 2018, KLM launched its most sustainable route Växjö. For this purpose, 5% biofuel was purchased and the remaining CO2 emissions compensated. At this point in time, KLM is the only European airline operating intercontinental flights using sustainable biofuel. And, as announced on the 27^th of May, KLM, SkyNRG and SHV Energy have joined forces to establish the first European production facility for sustainable aircraft fuel (SAF).

17% fewer CO2 emissions
In 2018, CO2 emissions per passenger were reduced by 17.3% compared to 2011. The target for 2020 is to reduce our CO2 emissions per passenger by 20% compared to 2011. KLM distinguishes three pillars to reduce its CO2 flight footprint:

• reduce fuel consumption;
• replace fossil fuel and compensate for CO2 emissions;
• fleet renewal. At present, fleet renewal is contributing most: new aircraft are more fuel-efficient and therefore emit less CO2.

Coupled with measures adopted by KLM to promote more efficient flight operations, the new aircraft generate fuel savings of between 35% and 40%. We will be taking another significant step towards achieving our target with our current order of new Dreamliners.

9.4 million sustainable sandwiches served on board European flights
KLM aims to offer sustainable catering products by making product choices with integrity. We choose products that have the least possible impact on the environment, support fair trade and are produced in an animal-friendly manner. Our catering policy applies to all flights operated out of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Wherever possible, our catering also includes sustainable products from our destinations.

18% reduction in CO2 emissions from ground processes
By 2020, KLM aims to reduce CO2 emissions from ground processes by 20% compared to 2011. This reduction will be achieved by using less electricity, gas and fuel. By the end of 2018, CO2 emissions from operational processes on the ground had been reduced by 18% compared to 2011. One of the areas we are focusing on relates to the further replacement of vehicles for ground handling with electrical alternatives. At present, 49% of KLM’s ground handling equipment is electric and 12% hybrid.

We are also continually on the lookout for opportunities to simply use less energy. As such, gas and electricity consumption has fallen by 19% since 2011.

Around 312 hectares of tropical forest created by close to 90,000 passengers through CO2ZERO
In 2018, close to 90,000 passengers flew CO2 neutral thanks to KLM’s CO2ZERO compensation service. This represents an increase of almost 50% compared to 2017. The contribution generated by CO2ZERO is invested in a reforestation project in Panama called CO2OL Tropical Mix. This project has been recognised with a Gold Standard for the Global Goals certificate, taking former meadowlands and transforming them into new mixed forests and subsequently maintaining them. The project has both a positive impact on the environment and creates jobs.

9% less waste compared to 2011
In 2018, the volume of waste was reduced by 9% and 28% was recycled. Waste on board was reduced by 19% per passenger. Due to strict legislation governing food safety, we can recycle practically nothing on intercontinental flights, while 73% of waste from ground operations is recycled! By 2030, KLM aims to reduce the volume of waste by 50% compared to 2011.

New sustainability ambitions formulated for 2030

KLM is well on the way to achieving its 2020 targets and is already looking further ahead. Towards 2030, the KLM Group aims to reduce its total CO2 emissions by 15% compared to 2005. That is a reduction of 50% CO2 per passenger-kilometer compared to 2005. We also set the ambition to realize a CO2 neutral ground operation and to reduce the residual waste by 50% compared to 2011.

You can find out more about everything KLM does in terms of sustainability on the KLM Takes Care platform. Or check out the “Sustainability at a Glance” factsheet for 2018.

CO₂ reduction of 85%

The feedstocks used for production will be waste and residue streams, such as used cooking oil, coming predominantly from regional industries. The facility will run on sustainable hydrogen, which is produced using water and wind energy. Thanks to these choices, this sustainable aviation fuel delivers a CO₂ reduction of at least 85%, compared to fossil fuel. The use of SAF will also contribute to a significant decrease in ultra-fine particles and sulphur emissions. The construction of this facility is very much in line with KLM’s sustainability objectives and is an important step towards implementing the industry action plan “Smart & Sustainable”, which was drafted by twenty leading transport organisations and knowledge centres. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will also be investing in the development of this facility.

Fuel meets the highest sustainability standards

SkyNRG’s independent Sustainability Board advises on whether the fuel meets the highest sustainability standards, thereby ensuring that the fuel (produced from waste streams) will not have a negative impact on the food supply and environment. There will be absolutely no use of food crops, such as soya oil and palm oil (or by-products such as PFAD and POME), for production. The board includes representatives from WWF International, the European Climate Foundation, Solidaridad Network and the University of Groningen. Furthermore, the sustainability of the chain and related products are ensured through certification by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), the highest possible certification standard for sustainable fuels.

Partners

In addition to KLM and SHV Energy, SkyNRG has joined hands with various other partners in the Netherlands and beyond, on the DSL-1 project: EIT Climate-KIC, Royal Schiphol Group, GROEIfonds, NV NOM, Groningen Seaports, Nouryon, Gasunie, Arcadis, TechnipFMC, Haldor Topsoe, Desmet Ballestra, Susteen Technologies, and MBP Solutions. These partners will be involved in various phases of the project.

561 flights with biofuel
KLM welcomed the Delft University of Technology as a new partner in the Corporate BioFuel Programme. Thanks also to these partners, we can operate all flights from Los Angeles in part with sustainable biojet fuel. In 2017, that amounted to 561 flights.

Waste per passenger reduced by 32%
Since 2011, we have reduced the amount of waste per passenger disembarking by 32%. How? By adding measures to reduce overall waste and increasing the proportion that can be recycled. Our goal is to reduce the amount of residual waste by 50% by 2025 (compared to 2011).KLM works with a total of fourteen different waste flows that we collect for recycling. These include paper, metal, glass, plastic, wood, clothing, electrical equipment.

New CO2ZERO project
In October, KLM selected the reforestation initiative CO2OL Tropical Mix in Panama for our CO2ZERO compensation service. Beyond the various environmental benefits, the project’s activities create long-term employment thereby providing a sustainable source of income for the local population. It will replace the Toyola Coalpot project in Ghana, which also has a Gold Standard for the Global Goals certificate.

We are seeing an increase in the number of passengers compensating for the carbon emissions of their flights. Some 60,000 passengers have compensated compared to 2016. That is a 50% increase.

Remarkable partnership
In 2017, the government of Costa Rica and KLM signed a letter of intent to investigate the possibilities of flying from San Jose with sustainable biojet fuel. We are conducting a feasibility study into the production, certification, distribution, and financing of sustainable aviation fuel from Costa Rica. We are also sharing best practices and developing joint projects. This is the first time in the world that an airline has entered into an agreement of this kind with a governmental authority.

Wings of Support
Wings of Support (WoS) has signed an official cooperation agreement with KLM. WoS is committed to the sustainable improvement of the quality of life of children at KLM destinations, especially in providing education, shelter, and medical assistance. It is run by about ninety KLM volunteers. KLM is helping to further professionalise the organisation and bring its activities to the attention of a wider audience.

Visit the KLM Takes Care platform to see the complete report and read more about KLM’s initiatives in corporate social responsibility.

Sustainable biojet fuel contributes significantly to making aviation more sustainable, but is still two to three times more expensive than fossil fuel. Södra, Sweden’s largest cooperative of forest owners, based in Växjö, will be the first non-Dutch partner in the KLM Corporate BioFuel Programme. Together with Södra and the City of Växjö, KLM and SkyNRG will also investigate the feasibility of producing biojet fuel in the region around Växjö.

CO₂ compensation on the Växjö route
As it is not yet possible to fly entirely on sustainable biojet fuel, KLM and Växjö Småland Airport are joining forces to pay jointly for the total CO₂ compensation for flights to and from Växjö. The money will go to the reforestation initiative CO2OL Tropical Mix in Panama, a ‘Gold Standard for the Global Goals’ project. The project converts degraded meadows into mixed forests by planting a mix of native tree species and some exotic species. In addition, the project’s activities create long-term employment thereby providing a sustainable source of income for the local population.

Växjö
Växjö is the capital of the Kronoberg region located in the south of Sweden. The city has an entrepreneurial climate and a renowned university. It is surrounded by beautiful nature, offers a wide range of outdoor activities, and has an excellent gastronomic reputation.

You can find more information about thise new destination on our Växjö page.

Some highlights

Each day produces new insights and technologies, enabling us to improve our performance. Our policy on the environment and society is constantly evolving. This will enable us to meet our goals for 2020 and to create opportunities for later generations.

Here are just a few of the results KLM booked in 2014:

• We reduced onboard catering products using non-sustainable palm and soybean oil by 80%. In 2014, we introduced fifteen new products, including ASC-certified salmon and fruit juices bearing GLOBALG.A.P. certification.
• KLM operated twenty flights from Amsterdam to Aruba and Bonaire partially fuelled by biofuel, thanks to the companies participating in the KLM Corporate BioFuel Programme.
• We took a significant step towards reducing onboard catering waste by using less packaging. We also adapted the sandwich packaging, which has reduced annual waste by 20 tons.
• 39 tons of used KLM aircraft carpet was recycled last year to produce new carpet fibre and other material using carpet manufacturer Desso’s Take Back™ programme.
• A number of divisions are reducing paper consumption by increasing digitisation. We are providing ground personnel with digital-format manuals, which will lead to 375,000 fewer pages of printed paper.

More details and examples can be found in the 2014 CSR Report at klmtakescare.com. Earlier CSR reports can also be found here under the heading White Papers and Reports.