If we fly more direct and efficient routes, we can cut CO₂ emissions by 6% to 10% in Europe. We would also get passengers to their destinations faster. KLM is positive about the European initiative to implement a single European airspace (Single European Sky 2+). A single European airspace would contribute directly to the collective ambition of aviation to reduce emissions. In addition to our investment in fleet renewal, sustainable fuels, and efficient ground operations, the Single European Sky 2+ initiative is necessary for KLM to meet its sustainability targets.

Commitments: global, European, and national

KLM is strongly committed to making aviation more sustainable. We are working with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to bring CO₂ emissions in line with the trajectory for aviation to keep global warming well below 2°C, as laid out in the 2015 Paris Climate Accord. Within the European context, KLM supports the Fit for 55-package which really helps the aviation industry become more sustainable. KLM is also a signatory to the Sustainable Aviation Agreement in the Netherlands in which concrete reduction plans have been agreed upon between the sector and the government.

KLM shares the ministerial goal of reducing noise and CO₂ emissions. However, KLM argues that reduced airport capacity will benefit neither travellers, nor the broader network, nor the Netherlands in general. Moreover, it restricts the earning capacity of airlines wanting to invest in sustainability. Fleet renewal offers a better alternative than capacity reduction. It will ensure a greater reduction in noise and emissions and will allow travellers to keep flying. This will enable us to strike a better balance in the interests of Schiphol, the environment, the surrounding community and travellers. We would like to discuss this alternative with the Dutch government.

The Air France-KLM Board of Directors has approved the nomination.

Cees 't Hart, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, on the unanimous nomination: ‘We are delighted that Marjan will come on board as CEO on the 1^st of July. With her broad managerial, commercial and operational experience, we are bringing in someone who is close to the staff and who, together with her team, will continue to shape the future of KLM as a customer-focused, sustainable and financially healthy company. We are convinced that her knowledge of the sector, her network and her experience in the political arena will contribute to this.’

Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM: ‘I am extremely happy to welcome Marjan to our team as the new CEO of KLM. I know that Marjan will succeed in making KLM even stronger by continuing to build on the Group’s strengths.’

Marjan Rintel: ‘I am honoured to return to KLM and take over the baton from Pieter. His 30-year track record is impressive. Under Pieter's leadership, KLM found its way up and I will continue on that course. Aviation is in times of great and complex challenges. I am of the opinion that an indigenous Dutch company like KLM, just like NS, has a major role to play in these social and economic challenges. Fulfilling that role successfully will be my priority from day one.’

The Works Council of KLM has been asked for its advice on the intended nomination of Marjan Rintel as Statutory Director of KLM. The nomination for the appointment will be submitted to shareholders for approval at an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for this purpose.