The future of flight
Advances in technology wait for no one, and KLM intends to stay ahead of the game. You are most probably reading this magazine aboard an aeroplane. KLM maintains a young fleet and makes use of the latest technologies. For example, aircraft engines are getting quieter and more efficient all the time, which saves fuel, reduces emissions and generates less noise on the ground.
Sustainability for the future
Innovation is also essential to KLM’s commitment to sustainability. Together with AIR FRANCE, KLM has topped the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years. The 2012 index will be published soon. I’m sure you understand how proud I would be if we were to top the list in our industry for the eighth year in a row. It’s not easy to maintain a leading position in such a prestigious index; getting ahead of the pack is less challenging than staying ahead. Others on the list will have put their innovative talents to work as well.
Innovative partnerships
A leader in any industry is always searching for alternatives to existing technologies, always asking if they can do better and be more efficient. This is what keeps a leader in the lead. KLM is no exception; we regularly work together with suppliers to promote the development of new technologies.
Together with several partners, KLM founded SkyNRG, a consortium focused on developing and promoting sustainable biofuels. As a direct result of this work, we recently operated the longest ever transatlantic flight on biofuel. In June, a KLM Boeing 777-200ER flew from Amsterdam to the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro.
What the future holds
When it comes to innovative technology, sometimes you have to stick your neck out to stay ahead. This belief inspired KLM to participate in the Space Expedition Curaçao (SXC) programme. SXC is reaching far beyond the 10km altitudes at which KLM aircraft normally fly; they are going up to 100km high – out of earth’s atmosphere and into space.
This partnership reflects KLM’s pioneering spirit. KLM wants to be involved in finding ways to make space accessible in a responsible and sustainable way, while taking aviation technology to the next level. In the long term, that’s where our future lies.
