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The Aviation Challenge is more than a competition. It is a reflection of identity and community. Each airline joins with its own custom logo, complete with a name and symbol that represent its unique vision and creativity. These personalized logos help spark internal excitement, build momentum, and bring visibility to the important preparation work happening across your teams. Together, they transform the Challenge into a vibrant showcase of innovation, collaboration, and aviation excellence.

Welcome

Discover new solutions, connect with relevant experts, and read the latest impact stories from your peers, shaping the future of aviation.

Submit Solution

Share your innovative solution with the community for review. It has survived not only five centuries.

Submit for awards

Enter your solution for awards consideration this season and inspire others with your work.

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2024

16 airlines executed 22 flights in the most sustainable way possible while generating hundreds of innovative solutions. 22 airlines operated a total of 72 flights – 50 more than in 2022 – and submitted more than 350 new ideas.

2023

22 airlines operated a total of 72 flights – 50 more than in 2022 – and submitted more than 350 new ideas.

2022

The objective for TAC 2024 is to scale solutions and initiatives to accelerate with a focus on advancing adoption and collaboration.

Learn how Scandinavian Airlines Cargo contributed to The Aviation Challenge 2024!

This video highlights the innovative processes and teamwork behind their award-winning participation, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

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Eric Kalali
Eric Kalali
TAC Program Lead

SkyTeam

Paul Zissermann
Paul Zissermann
Sustainability Director

SkyTeam

Emma Rolader
Emma Rolader
Engagement Marketing Lead

SkyTeam

Yuliia Gelion
Yuliia Gelion
TAC Engagement & Events Manager

SkyTeam

Jenny Witte
Jenny Witte
TAC UX Lead

SkyTeam

Bas de Glopper
Bas de Glopper
Program Manager Sustainability Engagement

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Jumana Master
Jumana Master
Sustainable Travel Experience

Delta Air Lines

Wakina Mutembei
Wakina Mutembei
Sustainability Lead

Kenya Airways

Cynthia Otoro
Cynthia Otoro
Game Changer Lead

Jambojet

Andrea Escamilla
Andrea Escamilla
Sustainability & ESG Reporting

Air Europa

09-12-2025 05:43:29

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
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quote

The Aviation Challenge has accelerated our journey to become a more sustainable airline by mobilizing departments enterprise-wide to drive bold initiatives, while learning from our industry peers and their experiences.

Jumana Master photo
Jumana Master
Sustainable Travel Experience , Delta Air Lines
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When airlines come together, we have the power to make a huge difference to the planet we connect. The Aviation Challenge is uniting thousands of people across our industry in a common goal to find workable new solutions to make air travel greener. I’m proud of how this hard work and commitment is making a difference - now - by uniting global airlines in SkyTeam’s Challenge to fly the change our industry needs.

Patrick Roux photo
Patrick Roux
CEO , SkyTeam
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Climate change remains the biggest long-term challenge that our industry faces. We are participating in The Aviation Challenge because we believe we must all work together to drive forward innovative and impactful solutions that can deliver real change for the future of air travel.

Ed Bastian photo
Ed Bastian
CEO , Delta Air Lines
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Recycled Cardboard Pallet Planks to Reduce Aviation Emissions
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has introduced lightweight, recyclable cardboard support planks for cargo transport on its widebody aircraft. These planks improve cargo handling efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Because they weigh approximately 80 percent less than traditional wooden planks, they help lower the overall cargo weight, which leads to reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. For example, replacing a single 1-meter wooden plank with a cardboard alternative on a Copenhagen to Los Angeles (CPH to LAX) flight saves approximately 17 kilograms of CO2. In 2023 and 2024, this initiative helped SAS cut approximately 60,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions, with even greater savings expected in 2025. In addition to fuel savings, these planks are made from recycled materials and can be reused multiple times before being recycled again as standard cardboard waste. Their lighter weight also makes them easier to handle, improving efficiency and reducing physical strain on cargo staff. These planks are often less expensive than wood, increasing the incentive for airlines to adopt them. Unlike wooden planks, they do not require treatment against plant pests, making them compliant with ISPM 15 and IPPC regulations. SAS initially tested these support planks on widebody flights departing from Copenhagen, a major hub for its long-haul operations. After seeing promising results, the airline is expanding their use to more flights as part of its broader commitment to sustainable aviation. Development and Implementation of Cardboard Support Plan To reduce aircraft weight and lower fuel consumption, SAS partnered with a supplier specializing in lightweight, recyclable cargo solutions. The cardboard planks are made from durable, recycled materials. Despite their lower weight, they have high load-bearing capacity and remain reliable even in wet conditions. Several suppliers offer these planks. A quick search for “air cargo recyclable support planks” reveals providers who also offer other lightweight equipment, such as cardboard Euro pallets. These alternatives can also be used by cargo customers when building their own unit load device pallets. Following the success of this solution, SAS is expanding the use of cardboard support planks across more flights. This supports its goal of making cargo transport more sustainable while also improving efficiency for ground staff. By implementing measures like this, SAS continues to reduce its environmental footprint through practical, scalable innovations.
Local SAF Production to Reduce Aviation Emissions
By leveraging Kenya’s existing energy infrastructure, Kenya Airways aims to increase access to more affordable Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for airlines operating across the continent. This approach not only reduces emissions from both fuel production and transport, but also minimizes the environmental impact of importing SAF from distant locations. Additionally, it helps establish a reliable, sustainable fuel source for African carriers. A critical component of this effort is the development of supportive national policies. In 2024, Kenya Airways played a leading role in forming the National SAF Committee, tasked with reviewing and updating Kenya’s renewable energy policies to formally include SAF. This initiative is designed to secure long-term government support, enabling SAF adoption at scale throughout Kenya and potentially across the wider region. Developing a Sustainable SAF Supply Chain Kenya Airways is approaching SAF development holistically, ensuring both fuel production and feedstock cultivation align with long-term sustainability goals. Key elements of this strategy include: Use of Nonagricultural Land Former mining areas and degraded land are being repurposed for energy crop cultivation, avoiding competition with food production. Environmental Restoration Planting SAF feedstocks on barren land supports reforestation, improves soil health, and contributes to greater biodiversity. Local Production Partnerships Kenya Airways is collaborating with domestic SAF producers, offering technical, market, and regulatory support to ensure fuel is produced efficiently and sustainably. International Certification Compliance In partnership with ICAO, IATA, and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways is ensuring that locally produced SAF meets international aviation standards—laying the groundwork for wider adoption across Africa.
Electrification of Ground Service Equipment
By leveraging Kenya’s existing energy infrastructure, Kenya Airways aims to increase access to more affordable Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for airlines operating across the continent. This approach not only reduces emissions from both fuel production and transport, but also minimizes the environmental impact of importing SAF from distant locations. Additionally, it helps establish a reliable, sustainable fuel source for African carriers. A critical component of this effort is the development of supportive national policies. In 2024, Kenya Airways played a leading role in forming the National SAF Committee, tasked with reviewing and updating Kenya’s renewable energy policies to formally include SAF. This initiative is designed to secure long-term government support, enabling SAF adoption at scale throughout Kenya and potentially across the wider region. Developing a Sustainable SAF Supply Chain Kenya Airways is approaching SAF development holistically, ensuring both fuel production and feedstock cultivation align with long-term sustainability goals. Key elements of this strategy include: Use of Nonagricultural Land Former mining areas and degraded land are being repurposed for energy crop cultivation, avoiding competition with food production. Environmental Restoration Planting SAF feedstocks on barren land supports reforestation, improves soil health, and contributes to greater biodiversity. Local Production Partnerships Kenya Airways is collaborating with domestic SAF producers, offering technical, market, and regulatory support to ensure fuel is produced efficiently and sustainably. International Certification Compliance In partnership with ICAO, IATA, and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways is ensuring that locally produced SAF meets international aviation standards—laying the groundwork for wider adoption across Africa.
Zero Waste to Zero Emission
As a national flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia is dedicated to pioneering sustainable aviation. Through our “Zero Waste to Zero Emission” initiative, we are taking bold steps to minimize waste, reduce carbon emissions, and promote eco-friendly operations. From adopting sustainable aviation fuel and enhancing fuel efficiency to implementing waste reduction programs on board and across our supply chain, we are committed to making air travel and business operation more responsible. Garuda Indonesia has implemented a structured waste management system aimed at reducing landfill contributions while fostering employee engagement. The solution encourages responsible waste sorting and recycling within the company premises, ensuring that waste materials are repurposed effectively. Through the partnership with Rekosistem, the airline has introduced educational programs and workshops to enhance employee awareness. This structured approach not only improves waste sorting efficiency but also fosters a culture environmental responsibility across the workforce. Additionally, Garuda Indonesia has recently launched Waste Challenge Competition on March 2024 for employees, spearheaded by the internal team, Corporate Quality, Safety and Environmental Management. This competition aims to incentivize and recognize employees actively engaged in waste sorting, environmentally responsible. On-Site Waste Management Garuda Indonesia has also streamlined waste collection by implementing drop point facilities at its headquarters, allowing for more efficient waste management. Instead of transporting waste to external locations, this approach enables immediate sorting and recycling, further minimizing the environmental footprint. By eliminating unnecessary transportation and improving waste collection efficiency, the airline can enhance its sustainability strategy while maintaining smooth operations. Small refinements in waste management process contribute significantly to long-term environmental impact.