More Sustainable Operations
Worldwide, the airline industry is responsible for 2-3% of global man-made CO2 emissions. Together with Air France, KLM is convinced that air travel can be made more sustainable. KLM therefore takes a leading role in the industry, setting an example as the most sustainable airline. Wherever possible, we initiate, support and encourage collective endeavours.
Ambition
KLM is set to initiate a wide range of measures and innovations in the coming years, thus translating ambition into action. Key aspects of our campaign include an intensive fleet renewal program and modification of our existing fleet. This will ensure that we retain our status as “best in class” – as awarded by the Worldwide Fund for Nature in 2007 – and keeps us several steps ahead of the airline industry’s anticipated entry into the Emissions Trading System (ETS) in 2012.
Leaders in Sustainability
KLM’s operations are already more sustainable than those of other airlines. Thanks to our quieter, cleaner and more efficient engines, we fly 25% more fuel-efficiently than comparable European airlines. KLM is “best in class” in terms of CO2 reduction, compared to other trendsetting airlines. KLM’s environmental management system is fully ISO 14001 certified. Even the way we have organized our passenger traffic – using a hub system – contributes to sustainable travel. Thanks to this system, which coordinates connecting flights with great efficiency and minimal transit times, we can transport more passengers using fewer flights.
Keep Innovating
Similarly, in the field of aircraft maintenance, KLM is also leading the industry with eco-friendly innovations. We are teaming up with manufacturers to design cleaner aircraft and we are imposing higher demands on airports and suppliers concerning sustainability. KLM plays a leading roles in industry-wide consultation, for instance, concerning more eco-efficient air traffic control. KLM is also looking at possible alternatives to fossil fuel. An example of this is our support for research into algae as a basis for organic fuel. Technically, it has already been shown that an organically based, environmentally sustainable kerosene can be produced from algae.
KLM also signed the so-called “Sector Accord” together with other Dutch aviation bodies such as Air Traffic Control the Netherlands and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, with a view to developing the world’s first climate-neutral mainport. Proposals are currently being detailed in a plan titled “Sustainable Climate Innovations in Dutch Air Transport”.
Innovation Agenda
In 2007, KLM teamed up with the Delft University of Technology, Stork, Schiphol, the TNO research institute, and a number of airlines to draw up the Strategic Innovation Agenda for Civil Aviation. This agenda offers an answer as to how the airline industry can achieve qualitative growth while turning environmental impact around. One item on the agenda is a study that aims to reduce emissions by 10% per passenger-kilometer.
Alliances
While KLM recognizes the need to drive further efficiency gains through technological solutions and operational efficiencies, we also participate in numerous (international) alliances. KLM, as well as Air France is a member of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (Safug). Read here the pledge to advance the development, certification, and commercial use of lower carbon renewable fuels, derived from environmentally and socially sustainable sources.
Air France-KLM was also one of the founding members of the Aviation Global Deal (AGD) Group. Aviation emissions are not currently included in the Kyoto Protocol. With a post-Kyoto framework now under urgent discussion, the AGD Group was set up so that members of the international aviation industry can make a positive and useful contribution to discussions about how the sector can help reduce global emissions in line with international targets.
