For the second time, SkyTeam organizes the Sustainable Flight Challenge. The Sustainable Flight Challenge is a powerful way to encourage airlines worldwide to find new ways to reduce carbon footprints. This year, the challenge has been extended to ‘friends & family’ airlines close to SkyTeam, as the alliance seeks to drive broader industry change. Air France, KLM, and Delta Air Lines will also join this year’s challenge:
- KLM will participate with two return flights:
- On 16 May 2023, KLM Cityhopper (KLC) will fly to Trondheim (TRD) with an Embraer 190, a narrowbody aircraft. The flights chosen for this challenge are KL1173 to TRD and KL1174 to AMS.
- On 17 May 2023, with a return flight to Los Angeles (LAX), KL603/604, using a widebody Boeing B787-10 aircraft. KLM has chosen this long-haul destination as LAX airport has big sustainable ambitions.
KLM has already implemented initiatives from the first challenge results, such as serving vegetarian meatballs, using new and lighter glasses on board intercontinental flights, and tests to avoid contrails.
- Air France will participate with two return flights as well, one medium-haul and one long-haul flight:
- On 16 May 2023, Air France will fly between Paris-CDG and Athens (ATH) with AF1832/AF1833. This flight will be operated by an Airbus A220-300.
- On 23 May 2023, Air France will fly with AF682/AF681 between Paris-CDG and Atlanta (ATL), using an Airbus A350-900.
- Delta will participate in three distance categories:
- On 17 May 2023 a return flight between LAX and ATL, DL559 and DL753, to be operated with an Airbus A321neo.
- DL’s transatlantic flight will be between ATL and CDG on 23 and 24 May 2023. Flights DL82 and DL83 will be operated by an Airbus A350-900.
- DL’s regional carrier, Endeavor Air, will participate with a return flight on 23 May 2023 between Cincinnati (CVG) and Washington (DCA).
The Sustainable Flight Challenge is not about winning, but learning from each other, focus on cooperation with the industry, and pioneering.
