The flight to Nairobi with which KLM participated in The Aviation Challenge achieved the lowest CO₂ emissions ever, at 35g CO₂/RTK. This was achieved by flying entirely on SAF (through the mass balance method) and making a number of operational adjustments. This earned KLM a Special Recognition award. KLM also received a Special Recognition award for sharing knowledge with Kenya Airways.

In addition, KLM received an award for the Best Showcase Flight with the video Intern On A Mission, for the inspiring image KLM gave of the flight to Rome with an Airbus 321N.

Finally, KLM Cityhopper (KLC) won the prestigious Pioneer of the Year award for its 100% SAF ticket project, which ran in 2025 on the Amsterdam – London City Airport and Amsterdam – Hamburg routes. KLC temporarily increased the SAF percentage to 100 percent on the two test routes. The additional SAF contribution went entirely towards the purchase of SAF. In this way, KLC investigated passengers' willingness to pay extra for SAF if it is included in the ticket price as standard.

About The Aviation Challenge

More than eighty flights were carried out between September 26 and October 26 as part of The Aviation Challenge. During these flights, airlines tested operational improvements and innovative solutions that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions from aviation. Examples include route optimization, innovative maintenance measures, weight savings, and the use of SAF.

On average, these flights achieved 13.5 percent lower CO2 emissions than the regular operations of the participating airlines and were 12 percent below the sector average. 

KLM recognizes its impact on the environment and climate and understands that there are limits to what our planet can withstand. Action is needed to continue operating within these limits. By testing various innovations during flight operations and on board, KLM is assessing their benefits with the aim of scaling them up and implementing them as standard.

Investing in CO2 reduction

The project combines reforestation activities with cocoa production and forms part of KLM’s CO2ZERO service. For the past ten years, this service has enabled passengers to compensate for their CO2 emissions by investing in a CO2 reduction project. In addition to CO2 storage, the CO₂OL Tropical Mix project also provides for the small-scale, sustainable production of cocoa and wood, creating more jobs for the local population.

UTZ-certified chocolate

The CO₂OL Tropical Mix farms in Bocas del Toro planted the cocoa trees in 2010. Now, almost ten years later, the cocoa fields of the project stretch out across the lower hills of the cocoa town in Panama. The chocolate derived from this project is UTZ certified, thanks to –among other things- sustainable management techniques, including planting shade trees and using multiple cacao species.

From Panama to Belgium to WBC

The chocolate company Barry Callebaut imports the cocoa from Bocas del Toro and turns it into different chocolate pastes in Belgium. The Dutch chocolatier Visser then heats, cools, shapes and packs the chocolate. The outcome: perfectly formed chocolate houses ready to be served on board KLM’s World Business Class from 26 August.

Dutch partnership to ensure top quality

Douwe Egberts has developed a special coffee blend for KLM, which is perfectly suited to the way passengers experience flavours at high altitude, ensuring that their cup of coffee tastes just as good as it does on the ground. KLM customers will also be served this new, sustainable 100% UTZ certified coffee blend in the European Crown Lounge and the Intercontinental Crown Lounge.

More individual elements have been added to the meal box. For example, granola and jam are now served separately to the yoghurt, and dressing and nuts separately to the salads, enabling customers themselves to determine how they would like to put their meals together.

Sustainable products

Until noon, our customers will receive a box containing a breakfast with fresh fruit and cold cuts consisting of cheese and meat with a hot roll. During the rest of the day, the EBC Box will contain a salad and side dishes including a slice of apple pie, for example. All of the products will be sustainable, and produce from local suppliers will be used as far as possible. The meat and eggs will carry “Beter Leven” certification and all products containing fish will bear the MSC stamp of approval. The cardboard used for the boxes will also be sustainable and recyclable.

Choice & control service on six flights

On KLC’s six longest flights (Cagliari, Helsinki, Ibiza, Porto, Split and Valencia), Business Class passengers themselves will be able to determine the time when they would like to eat. KLC thus meets the needs of its customers to have more control and choice. In addition to the meal box, customers will be able to enjoy a second service: a Dutch croquette snack or a spinach-and-feta pastry.

Luxurious look & feel and more refined format

Not only have the contents and look & feel of the meal box been revitalised, but the format has also been adjusted providing more space for something to drink, for example. The luxury box now also fits onto the tray table of the Embraer even better. This is a big plus point since KLC’s fleet now consist exclusively of Embraers. With 49 Embraer E-Jets, 32 E190s and 17 E175s, KLC now operates the biggest E-Jet fleet in Europe.

KLM has the ambition of being Europe’s most successful, customer-centric, innovative and efficient network carrier. This means creating memorable experiences for customers on the ground and in the air by pursuing the “Moving Your World” approach. KLC’s new meal concept contributes towards achieving this ambition.

Five themes relate to the reduction of carbon emissions from international aviation originating in the Netherlands, resulting in no less than 35% fewer emissions by 2030 than there would have been in the absence of this action plan. This is in addition to the substantial carbon reductions that civil aviation provides through the European trading system and the global UN Emissions Trading System (CORSIA) that give substance to the Paris objectives. Beyond that, there are two themes that will reduce carbon emissions on the ground.

The seven themes of “Smart and Sustainable” are:

Optimising flight routes and procedures
The efficient use of fuel results in fewer CO₂ emissions. More direct flight routes and improved takeoff and landing procedures will result in less fuel consumption. Current routes in Dutch and European airspace are overloaded and not always efficient, and lead to added and unnecessary CO₂ emissions.

Encouraging cleaner aircraft by levying airport fees
Schiphol intends to differentiate airport charges (between 2019 and 2022) partly on the basis of climate impact. Airlines will pay less to use quieter and generally cleaner aircraft, while the costs for noisier, more polluting aircraft will increase.

Introducing sustainable fuel
As a result of the long development time and life span of new aircraft, kerosene-based fuel will remain the fuel of choice for the time being. For this reason, sustainable fuel is one of the most effective ways of reducing CO₂ emissions on the relatively short term. These are sustainable biojet fuels made from raw materials that do not compromise human or animal food supplies or which cause environmental damage such as deforestation.

Radical fleet renewal
We have taken major steps to reduce our climate impact by introducing radically new aircraft concepts and fully electrically powered aircraft. The Dutch aviation industry and knowledge institutions are playing an important role in developing new aerodynamic models, stronger and lighter materials, and electric-hybrid propulsion that will be necessary after 2030 to further reduce emissions from aviation. Over the next decade, airlines will continue to renew their fleets, thereby further reducing their emissions.

Deploying international train service and other sustainable means of transport over short distances
The Netherlands benefits from a customer-centric, fast, and sustainable transport system. On some routes, trains are a good alternative to air travel up to a distance of 700 kilometres. The success of the Eurostar and Thalys proves that this is possible and that it is better for the environment. To make train travel even more attractive, we will need faster trains, better connections to Schiphol, and it must be easier to buy integrated AirRail tickets. To further develop Schiphol as a multimodal hub, the extension of the North-South Metro line above ground is another interesting option. This will create space for international trains in the Schiphol Tunnel. And there are sustainable alternatives other than the train that can be further developed for routes with smaller passenger volumes.

Emission-free airports
In 2030, we will ensure that all Royal Schiphol Group airport terminals, offices, and ground operations will be climate neutral. Schiphol already runs entirely on electricity generated by Dutch wind and is making efforts to increase energy efficiency (for instance, by using LED lighting), phase out gas (for instance, by using heat and cold storage), and limit commuting. Airport users (including airlines and handling agents) also play an important role in making the airport climate-neutral by making greater use of electrical equipment and other technology.

A fast and efficient journey to and from the airport
The journey to and from the airport takes time. It can be unnecessarily complicated, cause traffic jams, and contribute to carbon emissions. At present, travellers opt for cars and public transport. Other solutions – electric rental cars and faster public transport to and from airports – are also needed. Furthermore, passengers must be able to make use of reliable and efficient transfers and have more options for getting cargo and baggage from door to door. Also in air cargo transport, all parties work closely with the help of digitisation, chain agreements, and good information exchange to optimise their activities. This will improve lead times and loading rates, and reduce carbon emissions.

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.

80% less CO₂ emissions

KLM founded SkyNRG and initiated the KLM Corporate BioFuel Programme to stimulate the demand for sustainable biofuel. With the help of this cooperative effort, KLM has been operating all of its flights from Los Angeles partially with sustainable biofuel since 2012. KLM is the only European airline operating intercontinental flights using biofuel.

By using sustainable biofuel, KLM can reduce its CO₂ emissions by as much as 80% compared to fossil fuels. The market for sustainable biofuel, however, is far from mature, so the price is still three times higher than that of fossil fuel. KLM only purchases biofuels made from raw materials that have no negative environmental impact on biodiversity or food production. KLM is currently using sustainable biofuel made from used cooking oil (UCO).

Biofuel – how does it work?
The biofuel is pumped directly into the airport fuel reservoirs, which also hold the airport’s conventional kerosene supply. This implies it is delivered into all aircrafts that are refuelled in Los Angeles. In this way, biofuel contributes to reducing CO2 emissions from all flights taking off from Los Angeles.

Reducing CO₂ emissions
Together with its partners in the KLM Corporate BioFuel Programme, KLM buys sustainable biofuel in Los Angeles and can therefore assign the reduction in CO₂ emissions to all KLM flights departing from this airport. These biofuel flights contribute to KLM’s ambition to achieve a 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions per passenger by 2020 (compared to 2011).

Biofuel producer and supplier
SkyNRG supplies the sustainable biofuel, which is made from used cooking oil by AltAir Fuels in Los Angeles. AltAir Fuels is the first and only refinery in the world that continuously produces biofuel for aviation, making it the first that supplies biofuel to the airline industry on a commercial basis.

Maarten van Dijk, CEO SkyNRG: “We’re extremely proud that only 5 years after we supplied KLM to operate the first commercial biofuel flight worldwide, our launching customer has now signed its first long-term biofuel offtake. AltAir’s dedicated production capacity marks an important milestone as creating scale is crucial to take the next step in the development of the sustainable jet fuel market.”

Bryan Sherbacow, President AltAir Fuels: “KLM’s multi-year biofuel offtake is a real milestone for the industry and shows their commitment to making aviation more sustainable. We’re proud to supply them together with our project partner SkyNRG.”

KLM and sustainable biofuel
KLM is a pioneer in the use of sustainable biofuel and has earned the status of “best in class” in terms of fuel efficiency. In 2011, KLM operated its first commercial flight using biofuel. Since that flight to Paris, numerous KLM flights using sustainable biofuel have been operated by various KLM aircraft types.

For more information on KLM’s initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions, visit www.klmtakescare.nl.

• reducing its environmental impact by optimizing operations, innovating with the supply chain and by involving all staff and the entire industry,
• taking into account the challenges of sustainable development throughout the service chain to provide customers with innovative and responsible products and services,
• promoting a responsible human resources policy and encouraging personal development to ensure the motivation and professionalism of employees,
• contributing to the economic and social development of the territories where the Group operates.

Air France-KLM is continuing its innovative actions in favour of sustainable development, especially by integrating the principles of the circular economy into its operations and by developing sustainable alternative fuels for the air transport industry.

^{*The DJSI includes the most efficient companies in terms of sustainable development, selected by RobecoSAM, a global asset management company that assesses corporate sustainability. A member of the DJSI since 2005, the Group is also included in the non-financial indexes NYSE Euronext Vigeo, Ethibel and FTSE4Good.}

All the bio-kerosene KLM uses on its flights has been recommended by the SkyNRG Sustainability Board, whose members include the Netherlands chapter of the WWF, Solidaridad, and the Copernicus Institute. The test is based on the standard set by the Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), which is considered the most comprehensive norm globally.

The Ministry for Infrastructure and the Environment is the 17th partner to join the programme. Others include the Schiphol Group, Philips, Heineken, DSM, Nike, Ahold, City of Amsterdam and Accenture.

Dow Jones Sustainability Index
Air France-KLM is top of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) once again this year, making it the most sustainable airline for the 10th year in a row. The DJSI is the most important international index assessing companies’ achievements in sustainable development. It is compiled by RobecoSAM, an international investment specialist focusing exclusively on Sustainability Investing.

Integrating and upscaling
Jan Peter Balkenende, the DSGC’s Chair and partner at EY: “If sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship – corporate responsibility – is not properly integrated into the corporate governance structure, there is no continuity. A dedicated CEO can, as an individual, explore the corporate responsibilities and opportunities related to themes such as climate change, resource scarcity, health or human rights. But corporate responsibility only becomes serious business once it is truly integrated into the way in which companies are governed on a daily basis, and when it receives broad internal support. Which concrete roles do non-executive directors, executive board members and employees play in this respect. This publication answers precisely that question.” The publication presents a model identifying eight dimensions of corporate governance – each of which is illustrated with concrete, practical examples. “If we want companies to become part of the solution to today’s most pressing social and environmental challenges at a larger scale, it is crucial that knowledge is shared. Through this publication we share the experiences of DSGC companies with the (international) business community. Facilitating this coalition naturally fits EY’s vision: ‘Building a better working world.’ On a day-to-day basis, we work with clients on this integration through our extensive, interdisciplinary and global knowledge in this area”, says Balkenende.

Practical
The event was more than a source of inspiration; practical tips were also exchanged. For example: how can non-executive directors use their influence to integrate sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship into the core business of the organisations they supervise? How does integrated reporting work in practice? How can stakeholders be involved in taking policy decision? What incentives can be deployed to ensure a company culture with a long-term focus? How can the ‘tone at the top’ of senior management and ‘bottom up’ creativity in the workplace be mutually reinforcing? These questions are just a few of the range of subjects the publication touches upon. The publication can be downloaded free of charge via www.ey.nl/DSGCpublication.

Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition The coalition brings together eight Dutch multinational companies: Unilever, DSM, AkzoNobel, FrieslandCampina, Philips, Shell, KLM and HEINEKEN. It is their shared belief that financial and economic growth is directly related to social and environmental return. The Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition, chaired by Jan Peter Balkenende, is facilitated by EY and supported by the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers.

This is the result of a joint effort and expanded cooperation between KLM, Schiphol Group, Delta Air Lines, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and by contributions of KLM’s partners in the Corporate BioFuel Program. Cooperation is a priority for the future of sustainable biofuel in the aviation industry. By this initiative KLM demonstrates that sustainable biofuel in the airline industry is here to stay.

In addition to the participation in KLM’s BioFuel program, Schiphol Group has invested in the KLM flights using sustainable biofuel. The series of biofuel flights - from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - will start on 8 March with a flight from Schiphol to JFK. The sustainable fuel is obtained from used cooking oil.

In June 2012, KLM’s longest biofuel flight ever travelled from Amsterdam to Rio de Janeiro. The flights to New York are the next step and proofs KLM’s pioneering role in the development of sustainable biofuel.

New Biofuel Partners
KLM has been working with the World Wide Fund for Nature the Netherlands (WWF-NL) since 2007. The cooperation aims to stimulate a more sustainable airline industry by reducing CO2 emissions, increasing fuel efficiency, and investing in innovations such as sustainable biofuel.

Last year KLM launched the world’s first biofuel proposition for contracted corporate accounts. This will allow them to fly on sustainable biofuel for a portion of their total flight volume, or on specific routes, thereby stimulating the further development of biofuels and reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. The number of partners in the programme has more than doubled to fifteen. Since this year it includes the City of Amsterdam, Loyens & Loeff, PGGM, FMO, Delta Air Lines, Siemens, TomTom and CBRE Global Investors. They follow initial customers such as Ahold, Accenture, DSM, Heineken, Nike, Philips and Schiphol Group who have been supporting KLM’s BioFuel programme since June of 2012.

Sustainable Biofuel
KLM’s biofuel is supplied by SkyNRG, a company which KLM founded 2009 together with ARGOS (North Sea Petroleum) and Spring Associates. SkyNRG is now the world’s market leader for sustainable kerosene, supplying more than fifteen carriers worldwide and the operating partner in the KLM’s BioFuel program. For the JFK International Airport to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport route, SkyNRG is supported by its longstanding US Partner EPIC Aviation LLC to distribute the fuel.

For KLM biofuel is only an option if it does not have a negative impact on biodiversity, local development and/or the local food supply. As of March 2013, SkyNRG is the first fully certified renewable jet fuel supply chain by RSB (Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels).

KLM’s environmental policy aims to ensure biodiversity and animal welfare. KLM serves sustainable, MSC-certified fish that is on the green list of the Good Fish Guide published by the North Sea Foundation and WNF.
On flights out of Amsterdam, KLM serves Beter Leven certified veal (if it is on the menu), and on flights out of the United States, we serve so-called “cage-free” omelettes.

KLM also serves organically produced milk and Caring Dairy cheese on board and, from 2010, began serving Beter Leven certified cold cuts.

‘From Holland’ festival
In October and November, all passengers flying KLM out of Schiphol will experience the “From Holland” festival. This is the third year that we turn the spotlight to local produce and Dutch handicrafts.

The meals will include produce from Dutch farmers and other suppliers. The meals will also feature vegetables and fruit that are in season.

Seasonal produce is better for the environment because it can be processed immediately, which means it does not have to be stored or cooled for lengthy periods. This coincides closely with KLM’s Corporate Social Responsibility policy, and this produce comes with the added advantage that it is cultivated on Dutch soil and that it is very fresh. With this festival, KLM celebrates its typically Dutch roots and underscores the importance of sustainable catering.
 

Thanks to its performance, the group is also leader of the broader "Transport and leisure" sector for the fourth year running. This distinction ranks the 19 most responsible companies in the world, each in their own sector of activity.

Air France-KLM has been committed for many years to reducing its environmental impact, developing a responsible social policy and contributing to the development of territories where its aircraft take off and land every day. In 2011, the group operated the first commercial flights using sustainable biofuel, developed eco-design and the recycling of products served on board and supported numerous humanitarian programmes.

The DJSI is a benchmark in extra-financial ratings. It selects each year the 19 leading companies from among 2,500 international companies, following an analysis process by the Swiss group SAM (Sustainable Asset Management Indexes GmbH).

The Air France-KLM group has been part of the DJSI since 2005 and is also integrated in the non-financial indexes ASPI, Ethibel Sustainabilty Index (ESI) and FTSE4Good.

“For seven consecutive years, KLM has been the sector leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index,” says Camiel Eurlings, Managing Director KLM. “Everyone at KLM has worked hard to achieve this. KLM has itself developed numerous initiatives in diverse areas: from special resistance-reducing paint to lightweight trolleys and tableware, and from a fuel efficiency programme to new engine washing technology. Despite economic uncertainties, KLM continues to invest in making the airline industry more sustainable. KLM has taken the lead for many years in reducing CO2 emissions in aviation and stimulating innovations in the field of biofuels. We attach a great deal of importance to cooperating with WWF Netherlands in this area.”

“We cannot afford to continue burning fossil fuels if we want future generations to be able to inherit the earth,” says Johan van de Gronden. “Greenhouse gases from coal, oil and gas are amongst the most important causes of climate change and therefore pose a significant threat to nature and mankind. The only way to prevent the planet from overheating is to generate all energy from renewable sources. It should be possible to supply fully sustainable power by 2050. KLM shares this vision and assumes responsibility for its actions.”

For more information:
World Wide Fund for Nature in the Netherlands (WWF Netherlands) www.wnf.nl

Dylan de Gruijl
Tel:  +31(0)30-6937333
Mobile:  +31(0)6-22607633
E-mail: dgruijl@wwf.nl 

• combating climate change,
• minimizing its environmental impact,
• building a sustainable relationship with its customers,
• promoting a responsible human resources policy,
• contributing to local development.

Air France-KLM continues to make every effort to reduce its environmental footprint and foster social development, despite a difficult economic context.

“Aware of the important role air transport plays in global exchanges, Air France-KLM fully assumes its environmental and social responsibilities. The Group must remain firmly committed to sustainable development initiatives to pursue this vital role”, stated Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, CEO of Air France-KLM.

Peter Hartman, President and CEO of KLM, added: “We are one of the most committed actors in the air transport sector hen it comes to fighting climate change. We continue to push for collective responses to limit CO2 emissions”.

In order to do so, Air France-KLM has called on the United Nations to include international aviation in a specific agreement, and continues to pursue its fleet upgrading policy, optimize flight procedures, support research into climate change, finance the fight against deforestation and contribute to the development of sustainable bio-fuels.

The annual sustainable development report can be downloaded at:
http://corporate.airfrance.com/fr/developpement-durable
 

The development of biokerosene is a quest that KLM is pursuing in accordance with strict financial, technological and ecological criteria. “The food chain may not be jeopardised, and production of biokerosene should not go hand in hand with deforestation or excessive water consumption,” said Mr Hartman, adding: “The conservation of biodiversity is, of course, also a precondition. Our cooperation with WWF is both important and inspirational.” 

Johan van de Gronden, director of WWF The Netherlands: “The establishment of SkyEnergy is a groundbreaking initiative. KLM’s demonstration flight serves as a concrete step towards achieving a more sustainable future. We still have a long way to go in relation to biofuels for aviation, but by investing in this manner KLM is once again taking the lead.”

“KLM has been involved in biokerosene research since 2007. With the establishment of SkyEnergy, we are accelerating development and hope to achieve a market breakthrough. Within the consortium, we have clustered expertise and experience in legislation, ecology and technology, as well as the ability to develop biokerosene in an economically viable manner. We are moving forward with great resolve, but cannot do it alone. We need the efforts and support of government, industry and broader society.”

KLM and Air France are jointly pursuing an ambitious Climate Action Plan. The fruits of this endeavour are exemplified by the fact that Air France KLM has been the sector leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for five consecutive years.