The Aviation Challenge 2026

The Aviation Challenge supports participants worldwide in advancing their sustainability journeys.
Together, we’re challenging ourselves to reduce aviation’s environmental footprint for the world we connect. By fostering collaboration and openly sharing insights, we accelerate positive change across the industry—driving progress that’s practical, measurable, and collective.

Solution Process Demo

Submit your solution to begin the award submission process. Indicate whether you’ve already submitted a solution, then either select and update an existing one to reflect your latest data, or start a new submission if you haven’t yet added a solution.

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pdfTAC intro to Airports
pdfAbout the Challenge

Who can join The Aviation Challenge?

The Aviation Challenge (TAC) is expanding. Originally limited to SkyTeam airlines, it now includes non-SkyTeam airlines and, on a pilot basis, select airports. Future participation may extend to ground handlers, MROs, and other aviation stakeholders.

 

How to participate in The Aviation Challenge?

If your organization is interested in joining The Aviation Challenge, we’d be glad to explore the possibilities together with you. Please contact our Project Lead, Eric Kalali, via eric.kalali@skyteam.com.

 

What is the process?

  • February: Official launch
  • February–September: Project development
  • September–October: Showcase flights
  • October–November: Data submission and expert evaluation
  • December: Peer voting and jury consultation
  • January 2026: Announcement of winners

What are the prerequisites?

  • Commit to implementing at least one sustainability initiative
  • Share measurable results and insights
  • Support knowledge-sharing across the TAC community to inspire broader change

Participants

Participants in The Aviation Challenge are committed to finding new ways to reduce the industry’s footprint and help move more sustainable air travel forward. Looking ahead, the goal is to expand participation and deepen collective impact.

Aerolíneas Argentinas
Aeroméxico
Air Europa
Air Europa Express
Air France
China Airlines
Corendon Dutch Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Endeavor Air
Garuda Indonesia
Jambojet
Kenya Airways
XiamenAir
Korean Air

Award Category

Data & Insights Pioneer

Data & Insights Pioneer

Most Impactful Solution: FlightOps

Most Impactful Solution: FlightOps

Most Impactful Solution: GroundOps

Most Impactful Solution: GroundOps

Most Impactful Solution: Cargo

Most Impactful Solution: Cargo

Most Impactful Solution: MRO

Most Impactful Solution: MRO

Most Impactful Solution: Catering

Most Impactful Solution: Catering

Most Impactful Solution: Inflight Product

Most Impactful Solution: Inflight Product

Best Showcase Flight

Best Showcase Flight

Best Knowledge-Sharing Contribution

Best Knowledge-Sharing Contribution

Best In-Depth Article or Report

Best In-Depth Article or Report

Game Changer of the Year

Game Changer of the Year

Team of the Year

Team of the Year

Best Cross-Industry Collaboration

Best Cross-Industry Collaboration

Pioneer of the Year

Pioneer of the Year

Sustainability Training & Development

Sustainability Training & Development

Transformational Impact Through SAF

Transformational Impact Through SAF

Procurement & Supply Chain Excellence

Procurement & Supply Chain Excellence

Most Compelling Story

Most Compelling Story

Excellence in Training & Development

Excellence in Training & Development

Direct Impact Award

Direct Impact Award

Solutions Gallery
Previous Challenges
2024

24 airlines participated, including— for the first time—non-SkyTeam entrants such as TUI and Corendon. A major highlight was the increased use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with 9 showcase flights resulting in 427 tons of CO₂ savings.

2023

The Challenge expanded to include 22 participating airlines, flying more routes and testing more innovations. Airlines competed across 31 award categories focused on advancing sustainability in aviation.

2025

The inaugural Challenge featured 16 airlines operating 22 demonstration flights, achieving a notable 15% improvement in carbon intensity.

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Challenge

2024 | Recycled Cardboard Pallet Planks to Reduce Aviation Emissions

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has introduced lightweight, recyclable cardboard support...

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Challenge

2024 | Zero Waste to Zero Emission

Garuda Indonesia is dedicated to pioneering sustainable aviation. Through our...

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Challenge

2025 | Local SAF Production to Reduce Aviation Emissions

Kenya Airways is advancing aviation decarbonization by supporting the...

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