Thank you to everyone who joined us for today's Challenge Check-In. As we move into the heart of the summer season, we wanted to share a recap of key updates, resources, and upcoming opportunities discussed during the call.
For anyone who was unable to attend live, or for those who would like to revisit portions of the discussion:
Below is a recap of key discussion points, updates, and next steps from the session.
Challenge Update
Following extensive consultation across the participant community, TAC 2026 will continue on the originally planned timeline, with a few adjustments:
Showcase Flights remain encouraged, but participation is optional this year.
We will maintain flexibility around Showcase Flight timing where operationally required.
Final Showcase Flight plans remain due by 1 August 2026.
Solution impact data submissions will be due on 2 November 2026.
We also welcomed Noah Nater back to the TAC team. Noah will support TAC 2026 execution, knowledge-sharing activities, and the design of future Challenge cycles.
Mid-Year Check-In Insights
Thank you to everyone who completed the first Challenge Check-In.
Several common focus areas emerged across the participant group, including:
Ground Operations
Waste Management
Social Sustainability
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
AI Solutions
Inflight Products
Cargo & Catering
Flight Operations
Fuel Efficiency
In terms of Showcase Flights:
Over half of participants indicated plans to conduct at least one Showcase Flight this year.
Several participants are still evaluating options.
Others have chosen to focus on solution development and award submissions without a Showcase Flight.
These insights reinforce the breadth of innovation taking place across the TAC community and highlight opportunities for collaboration throughout the remainder of the year.
Collective Momentum: Steal with Pride
As a reminder, the 2026 theme, Collective Momentum, celebrates TAC's fifth anniversary and our shared belief that progress accelerates when we learn from one another.
This year's theme encourages participants to:
Replicate Implement and build upon proven TAC solutions developed by peers.
Co-Create Work collaboratively to develop new solutions that can scale into measurable impact.
Several award categories directly recognize these efforts, including:
Best TAC Partnership
Best Cross-Industry Collaboration
Best Replicated TAC Solution ("Steal with Pride")
If you're exploring ideas for these categories, your Key Account Manager can help facilitate introductions and connections across the TAC network.
Solutions Repository & Submission Platform
The 2026 Solution Submission Form is now live.
A few recent platform enhancements include:
Images and attachments now display directly within submissions.
Rich text formatting is available, including bullet points and subheadings.
Related solutions can be linked directly to new submissions.
Collaborating airlines can now be identified within submissions.
Participants can edit and enhance previous submissions from their own airline.
We also encourage everyone to revisit past submissions and ensure they contain enough detail and data to support future replication efforts across the TAC community.
If you're looking for inspiration:
Search the Solutions Repository by keyword.
Filter for past winners and finalists.
Explore 2025 case studies and Solutions Showcase content.
Save solutions you'd like to revisit or potentially replicate.
Communications Reminder
TAC updates are shared through several channels:
Email communications
The TAC website
Task Force meetings
Your Key Account Manager
As mentioned during the call, we are aware of occasional email deliverability challenges. Important updates will continue to be reinforced through multiple channels whenever possible.
When in doubt:
Contact your Key Account Manager directly.
Check the TAC website's Challenge Updates section.
These remain the primary sources for program guidance, resources, timelines, and announcements.
Looking Ahead
Waste Management Task Force
25 June | 14:00–15:00 CET
The group will continue refining scope and developing its proposal. Anyone interested in joining is welcome. Reach out to Jenny!
Workshop: Driving Behaviour Change in Aviation Sustainability
Featuring Robin Spierings 9 July | 14:00–15:30 CET
Robin will combine behavioural science principles with real-world aviation experience to explore how airlines can successfully drive operational change and adoption of sustainability initiatives.
TAC Connect 2027
12–14 January 2027 Hanoi, Vietnam
We are excited to confirm that Vietnam Airlines will host the next Connect Event in Hanoi. A formal Save the Date will be shared soon, including:
Hotel information
Planning guidance
Budget considerations
Attendance details
As many airlines begin forecasting for Q1 2027, we encourage you to begin factoring these dates into your planning processes.
Whether you are planning a Showcase Flight, preparing a solution submission, exploring award opportunities, or looking for a TAC partner to collaborate with, your Key Account Manager is here to help.
Thank you for your continued commitment to The Aviation Challenge. We look forward to seeing the momentum continue to build throughout the remainder of the year.
