NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya Airways (KQ) is stepping up its sustainability game by joining this year’s Global Sustainable Flight Challenge, set to kick off on September 4th.
This challenge, an initiative by the SkyTeam Alliance, encourages airlines to operate their routes in the most sustainable ways possible, rewarding those that excel in green practices.
Kenya Airways will be focusing on four major routes for this challenge:
- Nairobi to New York (NBO-JFK)
- Nairobi to Amsterdam (NBO-AMS)
- Nairobi to Paris (NBO-CDG)
- Nairobi to London (NBO-LHR)
On these routes, KQ plans to implement a range of sustainability-focused initiatives.
These include ground operations that minimize environmental impact, in-flight menus curated with sustainable ingredients, the use of e-mobility options for guests, and stringent waste management policies.
Passengers will also be encouraged to travel light, reducing the carbon footprint of each flight.
Allan Kilavuka, KQ’s Group Managing Director and CEO, emphasized the collaborative nature of their efforts.
“Sustainability is a collective effort. By working closely with our customers, suppliers, and partners, we’re fostering an ecosystem where sustainable practices are not just adopted but refined and scaled across the aviation industry,” Kilavuka stated.
Kilavuka also highlighted the airline’s systems-thinking approach, which integrates sustainability into data analysis, decision-making, and daily operations.
This holistic strategy ensures that every aspect of KQ’s business is aligned with their commitment to a sustainable future.
By challenging traditional practices, KQ is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable aviation. This forward-thinking approach is part of a broader effort to drive the aviation industry toward a more sustainable future.
Kenya Airways’ commitment to sustainability has already earned them recognition. Earlier this year, KQ was selected as one of the African airlines to lead the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry.
This honor follows KQ’s pioneering use of SAF on a long-haul flight from Africa to Europe in October 2023, a milestone that earned them the Most Impactful Breakthrough award.
SAF is expected to account for up to 65pc of the carbon mitigation needed to achieve net-zero emissions in air transportation by 2050.
KQ’s active participation in the SAF initiative underscores their dedication to reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry and leading the charge in sustainable flight practices.
