Air France KLM Martinair Cargo supports both Air France & KLM in second sustainable flight challenge

During the second edition of the Sustainable Flight Challenge, organized by SkyTeam, KLM operated a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner flight from Amsterdam to Los Angeles on 17 May, while Air France will embark on a journey from Paris to Atlanta on 23 May operating an Airbus A350-900. These flights symbolize the company's strong commitment to achieving the highest possible level of sustainability in today’s industry.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is constantly exploring new ways to make our operations more sustainable and reduce our environmental impact. As per a company release on Thursday, for the second edition of the Sustainable Flight Challenge, the company has supported both Air France and KLM by implementing the following initiatives:

1% for the Planet
Inspired by the Patagonia initiative: 1% for the Planet, the company will be allocating 1% of Cargo turnover from all LAX flights during the week of the Sustainable Flight Challenge to the Gold Standard Foundation.

Optimise cargo load (high load and ideal weight & balance)
Weight and balance are crucial for safe flight operations and the position of the center of gravity has a direct impact on fuel consumption. Implementing effective cargo load planning can result in significant fuel savings. The benefits here are twofold: reduced weight by having to carry less fuel and reduced emissions!

HVO on EU trucking network
Joining forces with several partner trucking companies, the company has reportedly reviewed its emissions and invested in Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for its European trucking network in the two days leading up to the challenge, 15 and 16 May in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint.

Sustainable cargo operations
Paperless handling (E-AWB), electric transport in the warehouse, and electric tractors to transport cargo to the aircraft.

Reduce weight (operation support materials)
During the company's cargo operations, it will use lightweight nets, cardboard board cases, cardboard beams, lightweight unit load devices (ULD), and reusable covers for cargo pallets.

Eco paperboard pallets (pilot)
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo will be conducting a pilot with cardboard pallets instead of wooden ones for freight transport. This will generate weight savings of 5 to 8 kilograms per pallet. The pallets are made from recycled paper (94%) and are easy to recycle.

Speaking on the development Adriaan den Heijer, EVP of Air France-KLM Cargo and Managing Director Martinair said, “It’s fantastic and truly inspiring to witness how our passionate colleagues and partners have gone the extra mile in a short period of time to raise awareness and drive sustainability initiatives forward. The airfreight industry is a complex ecosystem involving many stakeholders. By uniting, we can catalyze, accelerate and transform the industry. Through the Sustainable Flight Challenge, we channel all of this positive energy towards a single shared goal: creating a more sustainable airfreight industry.”