The Aviation Challenge

The Aviation Challenge is a global initiative run by SkyTeam. It brings airlines together to explore ways to lower the impact of aviation. During the challenge, KLM and more than 20 other airlines operate a special flight. This allows us to test new ideas to reduce CO₂ emissions, waste, and social impact. Afterward, we share our experiences so good ideas can help improve aviation worldwide.

Solutions to lower impact

Air travel has an impact on the climate. Reducing that impact requires collaboration and solutions that can be adopted by airlines worldwide.

The Aviation Challenge encourages airlines to develop and test new solutions. The focus is not on winning, but on sharing knowledge and inspiring others. This helps accelerate innovation beyond a single flight or airline.

Thumbnail image showing a young woman in an airline uniform wearing a headset beside an aircraft at an airport, with the text: “The Aviation Challenge – Intern On A Mission.”

Innovations tested in the challenge

Each year, we build on ideas from previous challenges and test new ones. Here are some of examples:

  • Our Cargo department is testing lightweight pallets. Using cardboard or foam pallets can save up to 150 kg per flight compared to wooden ones.
  • We explore ways to involve our customers in using more SAF (alternative aviation fuel). This helps reduce our overall impact.
  • We test flight optimization tools, including smarter flight planning and apps that help pilots climb and land more efficiently.

From idea to impact

In 2025, The Aviation Challenge focuses on impact. SkyTeam encourages airlines to turn ideas into action. Improving one flight is a good start. Real impact comes from scaling successful innovations across flights, operations, and the wider aviation industry.

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The challenge focuses on reducing all forms of impact, from environmental impact to social conditions.

  • There are 3 distance categories: short-haul (under 1,500 km), medium-haul (1,500-3,000 km), and long-haul (5,000-10,000 km).
  • Airlines can participate in each category with a return flight, including the turnaround time at the destination.
  • Airlines select a return flight on an existing route for each category.
  • The challenge starts when the airplane is prepared at the gate. For KLM, it ends when the airplane returns to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
  • It's not just about the flight itself. Preparations and maintenance are also taken into account.
  • Results are compared with those of other participating airlines.
  • Participants are assessed across all categories. The best performers win an award.
  • Participants share their solutions, data, and experiences with each other.

In the first year of the challenge, 16 airlines took part. By 2023, that number had grown to 22. In 2024, SkyTeam opened The Aviation Challenge to airlines outside its network. The challenge now also welcomes other players from across the aviation industry, starting with airports.

There are several award categories. With a focus on impact in 2025, this year’s awards are: Direct Impact, Inspiration, Leadership, and Organisational Transformation. A jury will select 1 winner from 5 finalists.

Direct Impact Awards

  • Most Impactful Solution FlightOps
  • Most Impactful Solution Catering
  • Most Impactful Solution MRO
  • Most impactful Solution GroundOps
  • Most Impactful Solution Inflight Product
  • Most Impactful Solution Cargo

Inspiration Awards

  • Most Compelling Story
  • Best In-Depth Article or Report
  • Best Showcase Flight
  • Best Knowledge Sharing Contribution

Leadership Awards

  • Game Changer of The Year
  • Team of The Year
  • Best Cross Industry Collaboration
  • Pioneer of The Year

Organisational Transformation Awards

  • Sustainability Training & Development
  • Transformational Impact Through SAF
  • Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain Excellence
  • Data & Insights Pioneer

How airlines share knowledge

After the challenge, airlines share their knowledge during an event and on an online platform. Participants join workshops on topics like recycling and flight optimization. The awards are presented during this event.

Knowledge sharing also happens throughout the year. In 2025, KLM held 5 sessions with Kenya Airways covering topics such as lifecycle analysis in catering, aircraft washing with less water, offering SAF in the booking flow, and reducing ground emissions.

Other initiatives for innovation

The Aviation Challenge is just one of the ways we work on innovation. We also run programs to increase our use of SAF (alternative aviation fuel). And we invest in fleet renewal, recycling, noise reduction, and more.

Learn more about our efforts

Frequently asked questions

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The Aviation Challenge is an annual initiative by SkyTeam. Participating airlines test new solutions to help reduce the impact of flying.

The challenge started in 2022 as The Sustainable Flight Challenge, an idea developed by KLM. Participants share their knowledge and experiences so successful solutions can be used more widely across the aviation industry.

KLM is part of SkyTeam, a global network of 20 airlines. Together, we connect millions of passengers around the world.

With The Aviation Challenge, SkyTeam helps airlines share knowledge and test new solutions. This helps successful ideas spread across the aviation industry.

Read more about SkyTeam

We’re aware of the climate impact of flying. That’s why we’re working to improve and renew our operations. This requires major investments and everyday choices that help reduce our emissions.

We therefore continue to invest in:

Discover all our sustainability efforts