Where in previous years one specific flight was central, this year KLM is opting for a broader approach. The focus is on multiple flights and on sustainable initiatives that have already proven their impact. We are concentrating on refining existing improvements so they can be scaled up and further integrated into daily operations. In addition, during The Aviation Challenge, KLM is not only focusing on a more sustainable operation, but also on the social impact. To that end, KLM is working together with Wings of Support, KLM’s preferred NGO.
 

Key Initiatives 
KLM and KLM Cityhopper are currently testing the following initiatives: 

• AI-based water calculation: KLM is piloting an AI model that accurately predicts the amount of water needed onboard, helping to reduce unnecessary weight and associated emissions.
• Efficient flying tools for pilots: Pilots are testing a tool designed to help them fly as efficiently as possible, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
• Meal pre-selection in World Business Class: Passengers are invited to pre-select their meals, allowing KLM to load only what’s needed and minimize food waste. Passengers are also encouraged to pack light.
• Digital boarding passes: KLM has long advised passengers not to print their boarding passes. Since May 2024, this has resulted in an 84% reduction in printed boarding passes.
• Priority boarding for SAF contributors: Passengers who add an extra contribution for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to their ticket receive priority boarding on the relevant flight.
• Filtered seawater cans: Instead of standard bottled water, KLM is testing how passengers respond to water cans filled with filtered seawater. 

Flights in the Spotlight 
From October 4 to 10, several routes will be under special focus: 

• Amsterdam – Rome, operated with the new Airbus A321neo
• Amsterdam – Nairobi, a long-haul route with significant sustainability potential
• Amsterdam – Kraków and return, operated by KLM Cityhopper’s Embraer E195-E2 

These flights will showcase and further test various existing initiatives, such as lightweight catering equipment and cargo pallets, smarter loading strategies, and electric pushback vehicles. KLM Cityhopper is also testing the reception of filtered seawater cans onboard these flights. 
 

About The Aviation Challenge 
The Aviation Challenge is inspired by the legendary World’s Greatest Air Race of 1934, which saw aircraft racing from London to Melbourne. While the challenge then was distance, today’s challenge is about making aviation more sustainable. SkyTeam invites participating airlines to make tangible impact with regular commercial flights and to share learnings across the industry. 

KLM acknowledges its environmental and climate impact and recognizes the limits of what the planet can sustain. Action is required to operate within these limits. By testing a wide range of innovations both in flight and onboard, KLM evaluates their potential with the goal of scaling successful solutions and embedding them into standard operations. 

About Wings of Support
This independent foundation, run by volunteer KLM employees, provides financial support to local organizations at KLM destinations worldwide, made possible through donations and sponsorships. The foundation helps children achieve a better quality of life through education, shelter, and medical care. In Nairobi, for example, Wings of Support supports the Big Five Center, an organization that offers educational and economic programs to teach children a trade, thereby improving life in the slums in a sustainable way. More information about Wings of Support can be found here.