KLM in Sustainable Flight Challenge: 100 measures
KLM joined this year’s Sustainable Flight Challenge with a Boeing 787 ‘Dreamliner’ flight from Amsterdam to Los Angeles. This flight, as well as the short-haul flight to Trondheim with an Embraer 190 aircraft, was conducted with over 100 new and pre-existing sustainability measures.
To slash emissions as much as possible, KLM went to great lengths to operate the greenest possible flights between Amsterdam, Trondheim and Los Angeles. For the flights, KLM selected a 50% SAF blend to power its aircraft. 50% Is the challenge maximum.
To help burn as little fuel as possible, KLM’s flight crew and local air traffic controllers worked closely together to chart flight routes, predict wind, ideal climb and descent paths, and the optimum speed for the aircraft. Ground and cargo operations optimized load weight to reduce wind resistance in-flight, cutting fuel burn further.
SimpleFlying and The Guardian report that the crew on the Los Angeles flight wore a new uniform developed with sustainability in mind. The sustainable blouse and shirt option comprises organic cotton and recycled polyester. Crew members were also provided lightweight trainers and a new suitcase made from recycled plastic bottles to cut onboard weight further. Passengers on the flight to LA were treated to a completely meat-free meal.
