The Aviation Challenge

Since 2022, SkyTeam has organized The Aviation Challenge (formerly The Sustainable Flight Challenge). During this challenge, KLM and over 20 other airlines operate a special flight. Before and during the flight, airlines test ideas to reduce impact: from CO₂ emissions to waste and social impact. After the challenge, they implement as many improvements as possible and learn from each other.

Solutions to lower impact

Air travel has an impact on the climate. The Aviation Challenge helps us and other airlines develop ways to reduce it.

Airlines share ideas and learn from each other. After the challenge, we apply as many improvements as possible. Airlines are recognized for their impact and for inspiring others.

New ideas

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 applying these innovations across all flights and operations.

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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 in all distance categories by operating 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 airplanes.
  • Measurements will be compared with those of 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 the 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 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

Share knowledge

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

Other initiatives for innovation

We don’t only rely on 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

Frequently asked questions

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The Aviation Challenge (TAC) is a global initiative that supports change in the aviation industry. The idea was initiated by KLM and has been run yearly by SkyTeam since 2022. It was previously called The Sustainable Flight Challenge.

TAC brings airlines and partners together to test ways to reduce the impact of flying. From CO₂ emissions to waste and social impact. The focus is not on winning, but on sharing results and learning from each other so proven ideas can be used across the industry.

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

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