SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, is gearing up for its highly anticipated Sustainable Flight Challenge 2023 from May 15 to 28. With an impressive roster of 22 international airlines participating, this event will chart a new course toward a more sustainable aviation industry. The challenge aims to inspire innovative solutions that will reduce the environmental impact of air travel, from takeoff to landing, both on the ground and in the air.
Introduced in 2022, the Sustainable Flight Challenge (TSFC) is the first initiative of its kind in the industry. Its primary objective is to expedite meaningful change in the near term. Participating airlines are committed to sharing their groundbreaking ideas and insights with the broader industry, reducing aviation’s carbon footprint until alternative fuel sources become more readily available.
SkyTeam CEO, Patrick Roux, expressed his excitement for the second Sustainable Flight Challenge, stating, “Following the success of last year’s inaugural challenge, which generated numerous innovative ideas adopted by our airlines, we eagerly anticipate the fresh ideas that will emerge from this year’s event. The dedication and hard work invested by these airlines demonstrate our collective commitment to emission reduction and greener air travel.”
Flights must be part of the airlines’ existing networks to be eligible and fall within a specified distance range. After completion, airlines will submit their results for evaluation. A diverse panel of aviation and sustainability experts from around the globe will assess the submissions based on predetermined criteria.
This year, the challenge comprises seven award categories:
- Lowest CO2 emissions
- Greatest CO2 reduction
- Lowest CO2 emissions in ground operations
- Best in-flight waste management
- Best Collaboration
- Best adoption of sustainable practices
- Best innovation
The 22 participating airlines, including SkyTeam members and SkyTeam “friends and family,” will operate 72 flights during the challenge, encompassing short, medium, and long-haul services. This significantly increased from last year’s event, which saw 16 airlines operating 22 flights.
The airlines participating in the Sustainable Flight Challenge are as follows: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Delta Air Lines, Endeavor Air, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, Jambojet, KLM, KLM Cityhopper, Korean Air, MEA, Saudia, Shanghai Airlines, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, and Xiamenair.
Winners in each category will be announced later this year, and their ideas, innovations, and insights will be presented at a showcase event hosted by Delta Air Lines in Atlanta.
Please visit the official website to learn more about SkyTeam’s Sustainable Flight Challenge and its mission to create a greener future for air travel.
