The Aviation Challenge

Since 2022, SkyTeam has been organising The Aviation Challenge (formerly The Sustainable Flight Challenge). During this challenge, KLM and over 20 other airlines, are conducting a special flight. Before and during this flight, the airlines will test various ideas to reduce the flight’s impact: from CO₂ emissions to social impact and waste. Afterwards, the participants will implement as many improvements as possible and learn from each other's experiences.

Solutions to lower impact

Air travel has negative effects on the climate. The Aviation Challenge helps us and other airlines develop new ideas to reduce the impact of flying.

All airlines share their ideas and solutions to learn and benefit from each other. After the Challenge, we try to implement as many improvements as possible. Airlines are rewarded for the impact they make or for how they inspire others.

New ideas

Each year, we try to incorporate as many successful ideas as possible from the previous Challenge. Of course, we also implement new initiatives. Here are some of those improvements:

  • Our Cargo department is looking for a new lightweight pallet. This can save up to 150 kg per flight compared to regular wooden pallets. Currently, we are testing cardboard pallets, but we’re also looking at Styrofoam versions, which are even lighter.
  • We explore ways to involve our customers in using more SAF (alternative aviation fuel). This helps reduce our overall environmental impact.
  • Throughout the year, we test and research new flight optimization tools. This includes new ways to plan a flight and apps that help our pilots climb and land more efficiently. 

From idea to impact

In 2025, The Aviation Challenge is all about impact. SkyTeam encourages putting ideas into practice to make the Challenge even more effective. Reducing the impact of a single flight is great, but we only make a real difference when we apply innovations to all flights and processes.

Other initiatives for innovation

We not only improve with ideas from The Aviation Challenge. We also run various 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

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  • The challenge focuses on all forms of impact reduction, from environmental impact to improving 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 may participate on all distances by performing a round-trip, including the so-called turnaround at the destination.
  • Airlines choose one return flight per category on an existing route.
  • The challenge starts when the plane is brought to the gate and is prepared for flight. The challenge ends for KLM at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The challenge isn’t just about the flight itself, but also about improvements before departure, including how we maintain our aircraft.
  • Measurements will be compared to the other participating airlines.
  • Airlines that implement the most impactful ideas receive awards.
  • Participants in the challenge will be judged in all categories.
  • Participating airlines commit to sharing all innovative solutions, data and experiences.

In the first year of het Challenge, 16 airlines took part, and by 2023 that number had grown to 22. In 2024, SkyTeam opened The Aviation Challenge to airlines outside its own network. This year’s Challenge also welcomes other players in the industry, starting with airports.

There are several award categories. With a focus 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

Employee Sustainability Challenge

We actively involve our employees in The Aviation Challenge by asking them to share their ideas. This initiative is called The Employee Sustainability Challenge. Each year, around 120 ideas are shared.

Share knowledge

After the Challenge, all participating airlines can share their knowledge and experiences during an event and on an online platform. Participants can partake in workshops about recycling, optimum flight routes, and more. On this day, the awards will be presented.

What is SkyTeam?

KLM is part of SkyTeam, a global network of 20 airlines working together to provide millions of passengers with the best travel experience. We challenge ourselves, each other, and the aviation industry to keep innovating. Our aim is to reduce the environmental impact of aviation, with innovation playing a key role in this effort.

Read more about SkyTeam