A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between KLM and Edmonton International to collaborate further on sustainability initiatives.
The agreement comes after KLM operated a service from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the Canadian airport as part of the SkyTeam alliance’s Sustainable Flight Challenge. The competition sees 16 member airlines attempting to stage the most sustainable flight possible.
KLM Flight 675 landed at YEG on May 7 and was operated using a Boeing 787-10, powered by a fuel blend consisting of 39% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In addition, a number of new weight-reduction measures were taken, including using AI modeling to predict inflight water requirements.
Edmonton was chosen as the flight’s destination thanks to its sustainability initiatives, which include a co-generation power facility; a commitment to hydrogen development; and the upcoming Airport City Solar, a solar energy facility that will produce enough electricity to power between 27,000 and 28,000 homes per year.
Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Edmonton International Airport, commented: “Edmonton International Airport’s commitment to sustainability guides our work in so many ways. We are dedicated to partnering with organizations that share our ESG values to safeguard our planet for future generations. We’re proud that KLM recognizes our sustainability work and has chosen Edmonton as the destination for this long-haul sustainability flight challenge. KLM’s commitment to sustainability is an inspiration for our industry. Reducing our emissions and addressing the climate crisis is work we can only accomplish together. We welcome KLM’s flight as part of “The Sustainable Flight Challenge” presented by SkyTeam and we look forward to collaborating further on sustainability in aviation.”
Pieter Elbers, KLM President & CEO, said: “In 2019, KLM reached out to the industry with our Fly Responsibly initiative, in which we urged stakeholders to join forces and share best practices to make flying more sustainable. During the pandemic, KLM stepped up the pace and developed ten bold moves in the field of sustainability, including the Sustainable Flight Challenge which has now become reality. Everyone at KLM has worked extremely hard to make this flight as sustainable as possible. The beauty of the Challenge is that it has fired up the enthusiasm of our people, inspiring them to come up with fresh ideas directed at achieving the best results. But what I also find encouraging is that the participating airlines are sharing lessons learned and that both our customers and partners, including engine manufacturers and SAF producers, are involved. The Challenge only has winners, because our cooperation makes improvements in sustainability both possible and achievable. I’m happy and proud to have been on this special flight, to see the enthusiasm of our KLM teams and partners, and to experience the outstanding spirit of cooperation here in Edmonton. It is a wonderful example of how we can work together to improve sustainability and support one another in the process. KLM and Edmonton share a vision and are equally ambitious and determined in their commitment to achieving greater sustainability.”
