Solutions

The Aviation Challenge is a collaborative accelerator driving tangible solutions across the aviation industry. Through a friendly competition, TAC participants work on real-life initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of their operations.

In a TAC context, solutions refer to tested innovations that reduce aviation’s environmental impact across key operational areas.

Aim & Ambitions

By focusing on what’s possible rather than what’s not, TAC places sustainability high on the agenda for aviation stakeholders. It fosters a community of practice that takes action—starting small but thinking big. Through testing sustainable alternatives, TAC acts as an accelerator for change, encouraging airlines and industry players to lead the transition.

How It Works

TAC embraces the game of marginal gains—offering a space to test novel ideas on a small scale and prove their viability. Participants develop solutions within their own organizations, trial them during the TAC showcase flight, and share outcomes with peers. This creates a foundation for broader adoption and industry-wide impact. TAC is a testing ground that encourages experimentation, learning, and scaling what works.

Facts & Figures

In 2024, participating airlines submitted 327 solutions, with 18 earning awards for demonstrating a deep investment in long-term progress through the strategic implementation of solutions within their organizations and operations. Two of these award categories specifically recognized airlines that showed exceptional commitment to adopting and building on solutions from previous editions of the Challenge.

450

Total Solutions
in the Repository

24

Total Airlines
Participated

12

Communities of
Practice

Team Collaboration
Case Study Examples
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.
Solution Evalution Process
At the end of the challenge, TAC participants choose which of their solutions to submit for consideration in one or more TAC award categories. They are free to submit multiple solutions and compete across all categories if they wish.
Once submissions are in, a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process begins. In close collaboration with the Dutch Aerospace Centre (NLR) and a panel of independent experts, each solution is assessed against clearly defined criteria. Depending on the award category, participants are required to provide supporting material and data that demonstrates the solution’s effectiveness, scalability, and potential for broader industry adoption.
Solutions are evaluated based on their real-world impact and the quality of evidence provided. The awards go to those that present the most concrete, complete, and convincing case for measurable real-world progress.
Additional Resources
Solutions tested during SAS’s first-ever TAC showcase flight
SkyTeam announces winners of The Aviation Challenge 2024
SkyTeam announces shortlisted airline innovations in The Aviation Challenge

The Aviation Challenge Communities Of Practice

TAC’s Communities of Practice bring together everyone working to advance sustainability across key operational areas. These communities focus on connecting those who care - from senior managers to frontline staff. They unite people with hands-on experience, subject matter expertise, and a shared curiosity for change.Solutions are clustered within these communities, each representing a specific focus area. Some solutions are specific to one area, while others span multiple communities. Currently, 18 active Communities of Practice guide and structure solution development across TAC.

Aircraft Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul

Aircraft Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul

How we manage aircraft, engines, and components has a major impact on flight sustainability. Smarter maintenance practices, repair strategies, and engineering solutions can reduce waste, extend equipment life, and cut emissions.

Cargo

Cargo

Making cargo more sustainable is a challenge—but progress is within reach. From digitizing documents to using lighter materials, operational improvements can lower emissions and increase efficiency when applied with intention.

Catering

Catering

Catering has its own environmental footprint and there’s room to improve. By rethinking meals to balance customer satisfaction, health, and sustainability, operations can reduce waste and emissions without compromising on taste.

Employee Engagement

Employee Engagement

Involving employees at all levels is key to driving change. This community of practice focuses on unlocking internal knowledge, ideas, and energy to support innovation and sustainability from within the organization.

Flight Operations

Flight Operations

From dispatching to eco-piloting, flight operations offer major opportunities to reduce emissions. Small changes in how we fly can lead to significant gains in sustainability.

Green IT

Green IT

Green IT brings together all digital solutions that support sustainability, from smarter data use to energy-efficient systems. By optimizing digital tools and infrastructure, this area helps reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency.