KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the world’s oldest continuously operating airline. Founded in 1919, KLM operates its fleet of 107 aircraft to over 150 destinations worldwide. KLM is dedicated to connecting people and places in an environmentally responsible way. KLM wants to be a frontrunner in sustainable aviation and was the first European airline to become certified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). With its commitment to reducing its CO2 emissions, KLM is striving to become the most sustainable airline in the world. KLM’s initiatives include but are not limited to, investing in sustainable aviation fuels, improving fuel efficiency, and investing in new technology. KLM is also committed to reducing its non-CO2 emissions and has implemented several initiatives to reduce noise, air, and water pollution.
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Team The Green Stork

The stork is an ode to the KLM DC-2 ‘Uiver’, winner of the Melbourne race that inspired The Sustainable Flight Challenge. An uiver is a stork in English. KLM historically named its aircraft after birds whose first letter corresponds to the last letter of the registration mark. For instance, the PH-AIP was known as the Pelican. But the plane PH-AJU was a problem, because there was already a machine with the name Uil (owl) and there was no other bird name with a U in standard Dutch. Fortunately, someone came up with the name Uiver, since a stork in local Betuws dialect is called Uiver.

Bas de Glopper
Bas de Glopper
Program Manager Sustainability Engagement

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

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