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The airline KLM advances within sustainability strategy in studies, logistics and technology for future electric flights. KLM press photo
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines made, the days 28 and 29 august 2023, 18 test flights with a Pipistrel Velis Electro electric aircraft. The flights, that were operated between the airports of Lelystad and Schiphol (both in the Netherlands), The objective was to acquire knowledge about electric flight and determine what impact this technology will have on the company's logistics and infrastructure..
KLM bets on electric
The flights were carried out by a group of 18 guests of KLM, who received a trial electric flight lesson supervised by instructors from the E-Flight Academy. The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the world's first and only certified electric aircraft. The two-seat aircraft has a flight range of 50 minutes (plus 10 reserve minutes), so it will not play a role in serving destinations network KLM.
The test flights offered KLM a unique view of the entire electric flight logistics system and the challenges it presents. Para Jolanda Stevens, KLM Zero Emissions Aviation program manager, «Electric flights will also affect flight management. Electric planes have to be recharged, what takes time, and we will have to cooperate with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the Air Traffic Control of the Netherlands to ensure that these types of flights are not only safe, but also has the correct power supply.”
KLM is investigating how electric flight can be incorporated into future operations. Several market experts predict that for 2035 there may be an electric plane that can transport 50 a 100 passengers, with a range of 90 minutes (p. ej., 400-750 kilometres). Nevertheless, the batteries needed for such flights are heavy, so it would be unrealistic to develop larger aircraft for longer routes.
The airline simultaneously supports different technologies and innovations to achieve zero-emission aviation. With its industry partners, at home and abroad, the company is investigating electrically powered flights, hydrogen and hybrids.
Zero-emission aviation
The route to zero-emission aviation is an essential element of KLM's climate strategy. The company is doing everything possible to reduce CO2 emissions with the measures currently available, including increasing production and use of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), reduce fuel consumption through fleet renewal and eco-piloting, improving operational efficiency and improving the integration of different modes of transport, like the aerial railway.
KLM Sustainability Strategy
KLM is committed to achieving carbon neutrality to 2050. The company is investing in a variety of technologies and solutions to reduce its emissions, including electric flight.
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