Sustainable Aviation
The Aviation Challenge Advances Sustainable Aviation with KLM Leadership
The Aviation Challenge fosters industry-wide sustainable aviation innovations with KLM’s initiatives and measurable CO₂ reductions.
The Aviation Challenge (TAC) has emerged as a leading force in the commercial aviation industry’s pursuit of Sustainability. With KLM’s filtered seawater initiative at the forefront, the challenge exemplifies how airlines are rethinking operations to reduce environmental impacts. Organized by the SkyTeam airline alliance, TAC has evolved from its beginnings as The Sustainable Flight Challenge, now focusing on measurable, industry-wide impact. The 2025 theme, “IMPACT,” underscores the aviation sector’s shift from experimental sustainability measures to scalable, practical solutions that can be adopted globally. KLM, now in its fourth year of participation, showcases a suite of innovations, from AI-powered water calculation to filtered seawater bottles, demonstrating a holistic approach to reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.
This article explores the origins and evolution of The Aviation Challenge, details KLM’s leadership and specific sustainability initiatives, reviews industry-wide participation and measurable outcomes, and examines the broader context of aviation decarbonization. By analyzing these facets, we aim to provide a balanced, fact-based perspective on how collaborative innovation is shaping the future of sustainable flight.
The Aviation Challenge was conceived by SkyTeam as a response to the pressing need for collective action in aviation sustainability. Drawing inspiration from the 1934 World’s Greatest Air Race, TAC reimagines competition by focusing on environmental stewardship rather than speed. The initiative was rebranded from The Sustainable Flight Challenge in July 2024, signaling a broader vision that encompasses operational efficiency, passenger experience, and industry transformation, in addition to environmental goals.
SkyTeam’s CEO, Patrick Roux, has emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting, “when it comes to operating more responsibly, The Aviation Challenge demonstrates how even small changes add up to make a big difference when we work together.” This ethos underpins the challenge’s structure, which encourages incremental operational improvements alongside the pursuit of breakthrough technologies. The challenge’s reach has grown steadily, with 24 Airlines participating in 2024 and 22 confirmed for 2025, including new entrants beyond the SkyTeam alliance.
Since its inception, TAC has involved 28 unique airlines, resulting in the development and implementation of over 500 innovative solutions. The commitment to sharing these solutions industry-wide has created a collaborative knowledge base, benefiting not just individual airlines but the entire sector as it strives for sustainability.
KLM’s approach to The Aviation Challenge is multifaceted, addressing sustainability across all stages of flight operations. The airline’s filtered seawater bottles initiative, for example, tests the use of filtered seawater as an alternative to standard bottled water. This reduces onboard weight, cuts packaging waste, and explores new resource streams, aligning with KLM’s strategy of involving passengers in environmental efforts without compromising service quality.
Another standout is KLM’s AI-based water calculation system, which uses artificial intelligence to predict the exact amount of water needed onboard. This reduces unnecessary weight and emissions by eliminating the historical practice of over-provisioning. Pilots are also testing new efficiency tools to optimize flight paths, leveraging real-time data and advanced planning software to minimize fuel consumption and emissions.
KLM’s meal pre-selection in World Business Class allows passengers to choose meals in advance, reducing food waste and encouraging lighter packing. Meanwhile, the airline’s digital boarding pass initiative has led to an 84% reduction in printed passes since May 2024. Additionally, KLM offers priority boarding to passengers contributing to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), directly linking customer participation to sustainability funding. “KLM’s four consecutive years of participation have established it as a leader in aviation sustainability innovation, with its 2025 initiatives demonstrating a shift from experimental concepts to scalable operational improvements.”
Showcase flights for 2025 include routes such as Amsterdam-Rome (Airbus A321neo), Amsterdam-Nairobi (long-haul), and Amsterdam-Kraków (Embraer E195-E2). These flights serve as testbeds for multiple sustainability initiatives under real operational conditions.
The Aviation Challenge’s effectiveness is measured not just by individual innovations but by its ability to drive industry-wide improvements. In 2024, 24 airlines operated 33 showcase flights, achieving a 10% average improvement in CO₂ intensity and a 20%+ reduction compared to the industry average. Even with a 9% increase in revenue tonne-kilometers, total CO₂ emissions per flight decreased by 2%, proving that sustainability can align with operational growth.
The challenge received 327 innovative solution submissions in 2024, evaluated by experts from organizations like the Netherlands Aerospace Centre. Of these, 141 solutions have been implemented by airlines, demonstrating a practical transition from concept to operational reality. Award categories cover direct impact, organizational transformation, leadership, and inspiration, ensuring recognition across all facets of sustainability.
Participating airlines commit to sharing their solutions, creating a culture of open innovation. This collaborative environment is critical for scaling successful initiatives and establishing new industry standards.
“The 2024 challenge results provide compelling evidence of the initiative’s effectiveness in driving measurable environmental improvements.”
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is widely regarded as the most promising decarbonization pathway for aviation in the near to mid-term, yet its adoption remains limited. SAF currently accounts for about 0.1% of the global jet fuel market, primarily due to high costs and limited production capacity. However, 2024 saw supplied volumes double to 1 million tonnes, and regulatory mandates in regions like the EU and UK are set to accelerate adoption from 2025 onward.
The European Union’s SAF mandate requires a gradual increase in SAF usage, from 2% in 2025 to 70% by 2050. While SAF is 2-6 times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, about 60 airlines have set specific SAF targets for 2030, reflecting a strong industry commitment. Most SAF is currently produced using Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology, which relies on limited feedstocks like used cooking oil. Alternative pathways such as Fischer-Tropsch and Alcohol-to-Jet are being explored for scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Lifecycle analyses show that SAF can reduce emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil jet fuel. Leading suppliers like SkyNRG avoid food crop-based feedstocks to prevent deforestation and food security issues, focusing instead on waste streams and captured carbon. The sector is also exploring synthetic fuels and carbon capture as future solutions, though these technologies are not yet commercially viable at scale.
Aviation accounts for approximately 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, with a small percentage of the population responsible for the majority of flights. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have both set net-zero targets for 2050, but these ambitions face challenges related to implementation, reliance on offsets, and the need for interim benchmarks. Technological solutions beyond SAF include electric and hydrogen propulsion. Electric aircraft are limited to short-haul routes due to battery constraints, while hydrogen-powered flight requires major infrastructure changes and is still in early development. Investments in SAF production, such as World Energy’s $5 billion commitment in the US, demonstrate confidence in the sector’s long-term potential.
The transition will require coordinated investment, supportive government policy, and continued innovation. Policy tools like production tax credits, research funding, and infrastructure investment will be critical for scaling up sustainable aviation technologies and practices.
“To align with 1.5°C temperature targets, the international aviation industry needs to reduce CO₂ emissions by 90% below 2019 levels by 2050, while making deep cuts to non-CO₂ emissions.”
Airlines like KLM are optimizing aircraft weight by introducing lighter catering equipment and cargo pallets, which can save up to 150 kilograms per flight. Electrification of ground operations, as seen with Air France’s commitment to 100% electric ground equipment by 2030, reduces airport emissions and operational costs.
Flight operations are being optimized through advanced planning, AI, and collaboration with air traffic control. Maintenance practices, such as KLM Cityhopper’s engine washing, enhance fuel efficiency and component longevity. Catering and cargo operations are also being reimagined to reduce waste and emissions, with initiatives like SAS’s recycled cardboard pallets and Kenya Airways’ local basket use.
Digital transformation, including mobile boarding passes and electronic documentation, further reduces waste and enhances operational efficiency. These changes demonstrate that sustainability improvements can be integrated seamlessly into existing operations.
Passenger engagement is becoming a cornerstone of airline sustainability strategies. KLM’s priority boarding for SAF contributors and filtered seawater bottles are examples of how airlines are incentivizing environmentally conscious behavior. Education around baggage weight and digital engagement platforms further empower travelers to participate in sustainability efforts.
Airlines are leveraging in-flight announcements and digital channels to communicate the benefits of sustainability initiatives, while tracking participation rates and environmental outcomes. Balancing passenger convenience with environmental goals remains a key challenge, requiring careful design and transparent communication.
Success metrics include reductions in printed boarding passes, baggage weight, and food waste, as well as increased participation in SAF programs and positive passenger feedback on sustainability efforts. The Aviation Challenge exemplifies the aviation industry’s shift toward collaborative, measurable sustainability efforts. KLM’s diverse initiatives, from filtered seawater bottles to AI-driven resource management, illustrate how airlines can systematically address environmental impacts without compromising service or efficiency. The challenge’s evolution and expansion signal a maturing industry approach, moving from isolated experiments to integrated, scalable solutions.
As the sector works toward net-zero emissions, TAC’s results, such as a 10% improvement in CO₂ intensity and the successful implementation of 141 new solutions, demonstrate that meaningful progress is achievable through industry-wide collaboration. The future of sustainable aviation will depend on continued innovation, supportive policy, and the willingness of airlines, passengers, and stakeholders to embrace change for the benefit of both the industry and the planet.
What is The Aviation Challenge? How is KLM contributing to sustainable aviation? What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and why is it important? How are airlines measuring the impact of their sustainability initiatives? What are the main challenges for the aviation industry in achieving net-zero emissions? Sources:
The Aviation Challenge: Revolutionizing Sustainable Aviation Through Innovation and Collaboration
The Aviation Challenge: Origins and Evolution of Industry Collaboration
KLM’s Innovation Leadership and Specific Initiatives
Industry-Wide Participation and Impact Measurement
Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Technology Pathways
Global Aviation Decarbonization Context and Future Outlook
Operational Innovation and Implementation Strategies
Passenger Engagement and Behavioral Change Initiatives
Conclusion
FAQ
The Aviation Challenge is a global initiative, organized by the SkyTeam alliance, that encourages airlines to develop, test, and share innovative solutions to reduce aviation’s environmental impact.
KLM is piloting several initiatives, including filtered seawater bottles, AI-driven water calculation, efficient flying tools, meal pre-selection, digital boarding passes, and priority boarding for SAF contributors.
SAF is a jet fuel alternative made from renewable resources or waste streams, capable of reducing lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil fuels. It is seen as a key pathway to decarbonizing aviation.
Impact is measured through reductions in CO₂ intensity, implementation of new solutions, operational efficiency, and industry-wide knowledge sharing. TAC’s results are independently evaluated by experts.
Challenges include high costs and limited supply of SAF, technological barriers for electric and hydrogen flight, regulatory uncertainty, and the need for coordinated investment and policy support.
KLM Newsroom
Photo Credit: KLM
Sustainable Aviation
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines Partner for Hawaii SAF Production by 2026
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines join Par Hawaii and Pono Energy to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel locally with a $90M refinery upgrade, targeting 2026 deliveries.
This article is based on an official press release from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
In a significant move toward energy independence and decarbonization, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have announced a strategic partnership with Par Hawaii and Pono Energy to establish the first local supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Hawaii. According to the joint announcement, the consortium aims to begin deliveries of locally produced SAF by early 2026.
The collaboration brings together the state’s largest energy provider, its primary air carriers, and local agricultural innovators. The project centers on upgrading Par Hawaii’s Kapolei refinery to process renewable feedstocks, specifically Camelina sativa, a cover crop that will be grown on fallow agricultural land across the islands. This “farm-to-flight” ecosystem is designed to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint while diversifying Hawaii’s economy.
The airlines have committed to purchasing the SAF produced, providing the guaranteed demand necessary to make the project commercially viable. This agreement aligns with both carriers’ long-term goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Par Hawaii is spearheading the infrastructure development required to make local SAF a reality. According to project details summarized in the announcement and related reports, the company is investing approximately $90 million to upgrade its Kapolei refinery. This facility, the only refinery in the state, will convert a distillate hydrotreater to produce renewable fuels.
The upgraded unit will utilize HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology, a mature method for producing bio-jet fuel. Once operational, the facility is expected to have a significant output capacity.
In a joint statement, the partners emphasized the dual benefits of the initiative:
“This initiative will enable SAF production for more sustainable future flying and deliver economic benefits through the creation of a new energy sector and fuel supply chain in Hawai‘i.”
, Joint Press Statement, Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines
A critical component of this partnership is the sourcing of sustainable feedstock. Pono Energy, a subsidiary of Pono Pacific, will lead the agricultural operations. The project relies on Camelina sativa, a fast-growing, drought-tolerant oilseed crop that matures in 60 to 75 days. According to Pono Pacific, Camelina is ideal for Hawaii because it can be grown as a cover crop between other food crop rotations. This ensures that fuel production does not displace local food production. The crop helps prevent soil erosion, requires minimal water, and produces a high-protein “seedcake” byproduct that can be used as FDA-approved animal feed for local ranchers.
Chris Bennett, VP of Sustainable Energy Solutions at Pono Pacific, highlighted the circular nature of the project:
“Camelina represents a rare opportunity for Hawai‘i to build a true circular-economy model around renewable fuels.”
, Chris Bennett, Pono Pacific
The project is projected to support approximately 300 high-value manufacturing jobs at the refinery, in addition to creating new agricultural jobs for farming and harvesting. By producing fuel locally, the partnership aims to reduce Hawaii’s extreme dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing the state’s energy security.
The Cost and Scale Challenge
While this partnership marks a pivotal step for Hawaii, significant hurdles remain regarding cost and scale. SAF is currently estimated to be two to three times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. Without substantial subsidies or “green premiums” paid by corporate customers or passengers, this price differential poses a challenge for airlines operating in a price-sensitive leisure market like Hawaii.
Furthermore, while the projected 61 million gallons of renewable fuel is a substantial figure, it represents only a fraction of the total jet fuel consumed by commercial aviation in Hawaii. To run the refinery at full capacity, the facility will likely need to supplement local Camelina oil with imported waste oils, such as used cooking oil, until local agricultural production scales up. The success of this initiative will likely depend on the continued support of federal incentives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, and state-level renewable fuel tax credits.
When will the new SAF be available? What is SAF? Will this project affect local food supply? Who is funding the refinery upgrade?
Hawaii Aviation Leaders Unite for Local SAF Production
Investment and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Role of Pono Energy and Camelina Sativa
Sustainable Agriculture
Economic Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The partners expect the first deliveries of locally produced SAF to begin in early 2026.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a liquid fuel currently used in commercial aviation which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80%. It is produced from renewable feedstocks rather than crude oil.
No. The feedstock, Camelina sativa, is grown as a cover crop on fallow land or between food crop rotations, meaning it does not compete with food production.
Par Hawaii is leading the capital investment, estimated at $90 million, to upgrade the Kapolei refinery.
Sources
Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines
Sustainable Aviation
KLM Supports National SAF Fund to Strengthen Dutch Economy
KLM endorses the Wennink report urging a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel fund and €151-187B investment by 2035 to support Dutch economic growth.
On December 12, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines officially endorsed the findings of the newly released advisory report, “The Route to Future Prosperity” (De weg naar toekomstige welvaart). Authored by former ASML CEO Peter Wennink, the report outlines a strategic roadmap for the Dutch economy, emphasizing the need for significant investment to maintain national competitiveness.
Central to KLM’s endorsement is the report’s recommendation for the Dutch government to establish a national SAF fund. The airline argues that such a financial mechanism is critical to bridging the price gap between fossil kerosene and renewable alternatives, thereby accelerating the aviation sector’s transition to Sustainability without compromising the Netherlands’ economic standing.
Commissioned to analyze the Dutch Investments climate, the Wennink report warns that the Netherlands risks economic stagnation if it does not increase its annual growth rate to between 1.5% and 2%. According to the findings, maintaining current social standards, including healthcare, defense, and the energy transition, requires a massive capital injection.
The report estimates that an additional €151 billion to €187 billion in investment is needed by 2035 to modernize the economy. It identifies specific high-productivity sectors as essential pillars for future prosperity, including Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, and aviation.
KLM has aligned itself with these findings, noting that a thriving business climate relies heavily on international connectivity. In its statement, the airline emphasized that the connectivity provided by Schiphol Airport is vital for Dutch trade and for attracting international headquarters to the region.
A key pillar of the aviation Strategy proposed in the report is the creation of a government-backed fund dedicated to Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Currently, SAF is significantly more expensive than traditional fossil kerosene, often three to four times the price, and suffers from limited supply availability.
KLM posits that a national fund would act as a catalyst to solve these market inefficiencies. By subsidizing the cost difference, the fund would make SAF more affordable for Airlines, ensuring they remain competitive against non-EU carriers that may not face similar sustainability mandates. Furthermore, the fund is intended to de-risk long-term investments for energy companies, encouraging the construction of domestic refineries, such as the facilities planned in Delfzijl.
“Such a fund would enable the Netherlands to accelerate the production of alternative aviation fuels and make them more affordable, thereby accelerating the sector’s sustainability.”
— KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM used the release of the Wennink report to argue against unilateral national taxes or flight restrictions, which have been subjects of recent political debate in the Netherlands. The airline warns that such measures could harm the Dutch economy by reducing connectivity and driving business elsewhere.
Instead, KLM advocates for incentivizing sustainability. The airline suggests that the government must take a more active role in the energy transition rather than relying solely on industry mandates. According to the press release, “Real progress can only be achieved if government and industry work together and if the government takes a more active role.”
The endorsement of the Wennink report represents a strategic pivot for KLM, moving the conversation from “flight shaming” to economic necessity. By aligning its sustainability goals with the broader “Draghi-style” warnings about European competitiveness, KLM is positioning aviation not just as a transport sector, but as a geopolitical asset essential for the Netherlands’ survival as a trading nation.
However, this call for government funding comes amidst a complex backdrop. In 2024, KLM faced legal scrutiny regarding “greenwashing” allegations, with courts ruling that some “Fly Responsibly” advertisements painted an overly optimistic picture of SAF’s immediate impact. The push for a national fund can be interpreted as a tacit admission that the industry cannot achieve its 2030 and 2050 climate targets through market forces alone; without state intervention to lower the cost of SAF, the “green” transition remains economically unfeasible for legacy carriers.
KLM Backs Wennink Report, Calls for National SAF Fund to Secure Dutch Economic Future
The Wennink Report: A Call for Investment
The Proposal for a National SAF Fund
Strategic Competitiveness vs. Taxation
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: KLM
Sustainable Aviation
Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères Launch Book and Claim Model for HEMS SAF
Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères partner to use Book and Claim for Sustainable Aviation Fuel credits in Catalonia’s remote emergency medical services.
On December 10, 2025, Airbus Helicopters and the French operator SAF Hélicoptères announced a strategic partnership designed to decarbonize emergency medical services (HEMS) in Catalonia, Spain. The initiative utilizes a “Book and Claim” mechanism to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) credits to operations that physically cannot access the fuel, marking a significant shift in how remote aviation sectors approach environmental compliance.
The project focuses on two Airbus H145 helicopters operated by SAF Hélicoptères for the Catalan Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services. According to the announcement, this arrangement allows the operator to reduce its carbon footprint despite the logistical impossibility of delivering physical biofuels to small, decentralized hospital helipads.
Emergency medical missions present a unique challenge for decarbonization. Unlike commercial airlines that refuel at major hubs with established infrastructure, HEMS helicopters often operate from remote bases or hospital rooftops. Transporting small quantities of SAF to these scattered locations by truck would be inefficient and could generate more carbon emissions than the biofuel saves.
To solve this, Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères have adopted the “Book and Claim” model. Under this system, the operator purchases SAF “certificates” representing the environmental benefits of the fuel. The physical fuel is then pumped into the aviation system at a central location, such as a major airport, where it is consumed by other aircraft. SAF Hélicoptères then claims the carbon reduction for its specific HEMS missions in Catalonia.
Jean-Louis Camus, Co-director of SAF Hélicoptères, explained the contractual necessity of this arrangement in the company’s statement:
“In my contract, I state that I will pay the equivalent of a portion of my helicopters’ fuel usage in exchange for a certificate.”
Airbus Helicopters is acting as the market facilitator in this pilot program. According to the release, the manufacturer purchases SAF certificates in bulk from producers and resells them to smaller operators. This approach is intended to “de-risk” the process for customers who may lack the purchasing power to negotiate large fuel contracts independently.
Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Airbus, highlighted the company’s objective to democratize access to green fuels:
“For a lot of smaller operators, getting access to SAF can be challenging… Airbus can simplify and derisk the process.”
To ensure transparency and prevent “double counting”, where two different parties might claim the same environmental benefit, the initiative utilizes a registry managed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). This certification ensures that once the carbon reduction is claimed by the HEMS operator, it cannot be claimed by the entity physically burning the fuel at the central hub. While the “Book and Claim” model solves the immediate logistical hurdles for HEMS operators, it faces a complex regulatory landscape. As of late 2025, major frameworks like the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the ReFuelEU initiative prioritize the physical supply of fuel at mandated airports. Consequently, “Book and Claim” systems are not yet fully recognized for meeting all national compliance targets, creating a temporary regulatory gap.
Furthermore, while this system reduces Scope 3 emissions for clients like the Catalan Department of Health, the cost of SAF remains significantly higher, often 2 to 8 times that of conventional jet fuel. The willingness of public health administrations to absorb these costs signals a shift in public tenders, where environmental compliance is becoming a non-negotiable requirement for government contracts.
The deployment in Catalonia serves as a proof-of-concept for the wider industry. Juan Carlos Gomez Herrera, representing the Catalan Administration, noted that the initiative aligns with their broader public health mandate, viewing environmental responsibility as an extension of immediate medical care.
By decoupling the physical fuel from its environmental attributes, Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères are demonstrating a viable pathway for decarbonizing decentralized aviation sectors that have previously been left behind by airport-centric green policies.
Sources: Airbus
New “Book and Claim” Model Brings Sustainable Fuel to Remote Air Ambulances
Overcoming the “Last Mile” Logistics Challenge
The Role of Airbus and Certification
AirPro News Analysis: The Regulatory Gap
A Model for Future Operations
Photo Credit: Airbus
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