<![CDATA[KLM Newsroom]]> https://news.klm.com/ en Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:01:49 +0200 Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:13:07 +0100 <![CDATA[KLM Newsroom]]> https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_162.jpg https://news.klm.com/ 144 KLM Group’s CO2 emission reduction targets for 2030 approved by SBTi https://news.klm.com/klm-groups-co2-emission-reduction-targets-for-2030-approved-by-sbti/ https://news.klm.com/klm-groups-co2-emission-reduction-targets-for-2030-approved-by-sbti/553079
  • Together with Air France-KLM and Air France, the KLM Group commits to reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% per revenue tonne kilometre (RTK) by 2030, compared to base year 2019;
  • The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved that – in compliance with the Paris Agreement – the emission reduction target for 2030 adheres to the well-below 2°C trajectory;
  • The validation marks an important milestone in KLM’s sustainability roadmap, which encompasses actions aimed at achieving its 2030 CO2 reduction target.
    • ]]>    KLM is committed to reducing its environmental impact as part of a transparent and responsible sustainability policy. An important part of this relates to its commitment to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions by 30% per revenue tonne kilometre (RTK) by 2030 compared to 2019. Together with Air France-KLM and Air France, this target was submitted and recently approved by SBTi’s Target Validation Team. SBTi has determined that it complies with the well-below 2°C trajectory set for the airline industry, as determined by the Paris Agreement signed in 2015.

    KLM is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its activities as far as possible. The following three pillars are important to this approach:

    • A plan to modernise and renew the Air France and KLM fleets with the latest generation of aircraft emitting 20% to 25% less CO2 compared to their predecessors. With the objective of 64% of new generation aircraft in the fleet by 2028, Air France-KLM currently invests over €2 billion annually in the acquisition of Airbus A220s, Airbus A320s and A321neo aircraft, Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s and Embraer 195‑E2s, which are amongst the most efficient aircraft in their respective categories.
    • The use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This non-fossil-based fuel can be produced from industrial or domestic waste, which contributes to a more circular economy, and the SAF sourced by Air France-KLM does not compete with the food chain for people and/or animals. Two off-take agreements were signed in November 2022 to secure 3% of the 10% of our SAF objective by 2030.
    • The improvement of operational efficiency by favouring more direct routes and introducing procedures that reduce fuel consumption (single-engine taxi, continuous descent).

    Additionally, KLM cooperates with a wide variety of sector partners. We are committed to developing innovative solutions for aircraft design and maintenance, engines and synthetic fuels. Aside from the target that has now earned SBTi validation, KLM is also committed to achieving other objectives intended to reduce our environmental impact.

    SBTi – a scientific approach in compliance with the Paris Agreement 

    The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emission reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. The initiative is a partnership between the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). SBTi independently assesses and validates companies’ CO2 emissions targets based on a scientific approach and criteria.

    For more information about KLM’s Climate Action Plan, click here

    ]]>     2 reduction trajectory provide clarity and at the same time entail major challenges. To make them feasible and possible, we work closely with each other and with our sector partners to come up with technical solutions and innovations that support the energy transition in aviation. ]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:13:07 +0100 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/162/500_taxibot-test-3.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/162/taxibot-test-3.jpg?10000     6% to 10% less CO2 with Single European Sky https://news.klm.com/pilots-call-on-brussels-to-create-a-single-european-sky/ https://news.klm.com/pilots-call-on-brussels-to-create-a-single-european-sky/550835Pilots call on Brussels to create a Single European Sky
  • In Europe borders on the ground have gone, but not in the air.
  • Pilots currently have to fly thousands of extra kilometers through fragmented airspace in Europe.
  • A route between Amsterdam and Geneva is 120 km longer than it needs to be, for example.

    • 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.

    ]]>     Flying more direct routes in Europe could cut our CO2 emissions by between 6% and 10%. This is a huge opportunity for Brussels to achieve this CO2 reduction. It's very positive to see how focused our pilots are on flying as efficiently as possible, saving fuel, and reducing emissions. Single European Sky is a crucial piece in the puzzle to cut CO2 emissions in Europe in the short term. ]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:44:00 +0100 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/162/500_still-ams-gvadef.png?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/162/still-ams-gvadef.png?10000     KLM Royal Dutch Airlines brings targets further in line with UN Paris Climate Agreement by also committing to Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) https://news.klm.com/klm-royal-dutch-airlines-brings-targets-further-in-line-with-un-paris-climate-agreement-by-also-committing-to-science-based-targets-initiative-sbti/ https://news.klm.com/klm-royal-dutch-airlines-brings-targets-further-in-line-with-un-paris-climate-agreement-by-also-committing-to-science-based-targets-initiative-sbti/480004Together with Air France-KLM and Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines today announced that it will be bringing its targets for reducing CO2 emissions in line with the UN Paris Climate Agreement. This agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels in order to combat the impact of climate change. “Very recently, a number of airlines – including KLM – committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 under the IATA umbrella. This constitutes another important aspect of the Paris Agreement. We are now taking the next, crucial step for the entire Air France-KLM Group. We are committing ourselves to the CO2 reduction path developed by SBTi specifically for the airline industry. This will bring our targets further in line with the Paris Climate Agreement,” says Pieter Elbers, CEO of KLM. 

    ]]>    Air France-KLM, Air France and KLM have each signed a letter of intent in which the group declares its commitment to cooperating with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Based on scientifically substantiated targets to reduce CO2 emissions and working in consultation, a corresponding path will be established and validated. Pieter Elbers, CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: “The earth has clear limits as to how we use our resources and the volume of emissions we generate. In recent years, we have worked hard at a national, European and global level to cooperate, innovate and define agreements. By establishing SBTi, we can further reduce our CO2 emissions step by step in a transparent manner. Initiatives including fleet renewal, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and further operational innovation and efficiency will enable us to achieve the targets.” (see enclosed "KLM's pathway towards the Paris climate goals")

    Fly Responsibly

    In 2019, KLM introduced its Fly Responsibly sustainability initiative, directed at transforming KLM into a more sustainable airline. In addition to fleet renewal, scaling-up production and use of SAF form the cornerstone of KLM’s approach. Cooperation and supportive policies are needed to create a level playing field upon which SAF will become the standard. Elbers: “A successful, ambitious climate policy hinges on cooperating well with industry parties, knowledge institutions and governments. Together, we must reach solid agreements that truly support the energy transition.”

    Despite the huge impact of Covid-19, sustainability has remained a top priority for KLM. In 2021, KLM added the first of 25 new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft to its fleet. This aircraft emits 31% less CO2 per passenger than its predecessor. KLM also took part in trials involving sustainable taxiing and operated the world’s first commercial flight powered by a fuel mixture containing synthetic kerosene.

    How does SBTi work?

    SBTi is a partnership between four NGOs and knowledge institutions: the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), World Resources Institute (WRI), UN Global Compact and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). SBTi helps private-sector organisations to set climate targets in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, based on what science tells them is necessary to honour the agreement, and to give short and medium-term targets concrete shape. Working with SBTi will enable KLM to gradually reduce its CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometre. Until the targets for Air France-KLM are set and validated, KLM will continue to work on its current ambitions for 2030.

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