Sustainability In The Air

• How KLM is working towards a zero-emission future in aviation

  In this episode, we speak with Jolanda Stevens, Program Manager for Zero Emission Aviation at KLM, who shares how the airline is preparing for a more sustainable future of aviation through innovative technologies and strategic investment in emerging solutions.Stevens discusses:KLM’s unique approach to innovation with a dedicated team focused on the “disruptive” aviation technology, working on future solutions like electric and hydrogen aircraft whilst maintaining their core flight operations.How different zero-emission technologies will serve specific segments of KLM’s network, with battery-electric suitable for shorter routes, hydrogen for medium-range, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) remaining crucial for long-haul flights.KLM’s systematic process for evaluating potential technology partners based on aircraft concepts, technical assumptions, company credibility, and even “gut feeling” to determine which innovations deserve investment.The airline’s research into passenger perceptions of new technologies, addressing critical questions about safety, comfort, and willingness to pay for sustainable aviation solutions.KLM’s role in driving system-wide transformation, recognising that zero-emission aviation requires changes in infrastructure, legislation, ground handling, and safety protocols across the entire industry.As a pilot who found deeper purpose in sustainability work, Stevens offers unique insights into how a 105-year-old airline is actively shaping aviation’s next technological revolution rather than simply waiting for it to arrive.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta Air Lines, who shares the airline’s collaborative vision for sustainability. Check it out here. Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.Feel free to reach out via email to [email protected]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:What KLM does to make air travel more sustainable - KLM KLM and ZeroAvia plan zero-emission demonstration flight using liquid hydrogen - Zeroavia KLM joins Heart Aerospace, will help design its electric turboprop - Aviacionline Why is KLM Calling for Stricter SAF Policies from the EU? - Sustainability Magazine 

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• How a pilot-turned-CEO transformed air travel in the Baltics

  In this episode, we speak with Martin Gauss, former CEO of airBaltic, who transformed the Latvian flag carrier into one of Europe’s most innovative airlines while connecting the entire Baltic region.Gauss discusses:The benefits of operating a single-fleet airline with the highly efficient Airbus A220-300, resulting in 30% lower fuel consumption than older generation aircraft and contributing to airBaltic's path to carbon neutrality by 2050.airBaltic’s innovative dual business model that combines scheduled operations with wet lease services for major carriers like Lufthansa Group, creating flexibility and financial resilience.The airline’s commitment to sustainability through fleet modernisation, gradually increasing SAF usage, and partnerships with innovative manufacturers like Fokker NextGen for hydrogen-powered aircraft.How airBaltic established itself as an industry leader in adopting new technologies, from becoming the first airline to accept Bitcoin in 2014 to pioneering Starlink internet service in Europe.His perspective on balancing growth with sustainability, emphasising that connectivity is essential for economic development while working toward emission-free aviation.The Baltic states’ capacity for innovation, demonstrating how a small country like Latvia can lead the way in aviation technology and sustainability.As an airline pilot-turned-CEO, Gauss offers valuable insights into how smaller airlines can lead industry change through bold technology choices and business model innovation.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), who shares the airline’s ambitious sustainability initiatives. Check it out here. Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.Feel free to reach out via email to [email protected]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:ESG - airBaltic Fokker Next Gen partners with airBaltic on new liquid hydrogen powered commercial aircraft – GreenAir News airBaltic achieves one-Year milestone in increased SAF implementation - Travel And Tour World airBaltic to Expand Training Fleet With All-Electric eD40 - FLYING Magazine 

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• How Expliseat helps airlines cut carbon without compromising on comfort

  In this episode, we speak with  Amaury Barberot, CEO of Expliseat, about how the company's innovative lightweight seating technology is delivering immediate sustainability benefits for airlines while improving their bottom line.Barberot discusses:Expliseat's revolutionary aircraft seat design made from carbon fibre and titanium that is 30% lighter than comparable products, saving approximately 1,200 kilograms when retrofitted on an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.The immediate environmental impact of their lightweight seats, which deliver a 6% CO2 emission reduction per passenger without requiring airlines to wait for future technology developments.How the weight reduction focuses on the "invisible parts" of the seat, preserving passenger comfort while still delivering sustainability benefits.The company's circular manufacturing approach, which recycles industrial waste from seat frames to create new components like tray tables, further reducing their environmental footprint.Their recent expansion into the rail industry, where their lightweight technology helps train operators overcome axle weight limitations to improve passenger amenities or increase capacity.Barberot emphasises that Expliseat represents one of the rare sustainability solutions where "CSO and CFO do not fight," highlighting how their technology aligns environmental and economic objectives for airlines across different regions and business models.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO at RECARO Aircraft Seating and Recaro Holding. Check it out here. Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.Feel free to reach out via email to [email protected]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:Expliseat Expliseat Showcases New Lightweight Seating at MRO Americas 2025 - Aviation Pros Why every kilogram counts: the critical role of cabin design in sustainable aviation - SimpliFlying Expliseat TiSeat 2 X: the inside story - Aircraft Interiors International Expliseat brings ultra-light aircraft seats to rail industry - Runway Girl Network Expliseat aims to be lightweight champion in aircraft seats - Flight GlobalHow sustainable aircraft seats can be a game-changer - SimpliFlying  

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• Why Swedavia sees fossil-free flying as a ‘license to operate’

  In this episode, we speak with Lena Wennberg, Chief Sustainable Development Officer, and Therese Forsström, Head of Environmental Department at Swedavia, which owns and operates 10 airports across Sweden, connecting the country both internally and with the rest of the world.Wennberg and Forsström discuss:Swedavia’s achievement of fossil-free operations in 2020 in their own airport operations, backed by committed leadership that views sustainability as a “license to operate.”Their ambitious goal to enable fossil-free domestic flights in Sweden by 2030, primarily through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with plans to reach 10% SAF usage.Swedavia’s incentive program that covers 50% of the premium cost for airlines refuelling with SAF, plus their procurement of SAF for their own business travel for the last nine years.The airport’s preparations for future technologies, including charging infrastructure for electric aircraft at smaller airports and collaboration with Airbus on hydrogen infrastructure.The balancing of sustainability with operational needs in a country where air travel is essential due to the vast geography.As industry leaders working towards fossil-free aviation since long before it became mainstream, Swedavia offers a compelling example of how airports can transform environmental commitments into tangible action while maintaining operational excellence.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport, who shares her ambitious vision for transforming the airport into a sustainable aviation hub. Check it out here. Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.Feel free to reach out via email to [email protected]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:Strategy for sustainability - Swedavia Swedavia allocates SEK40m for SAF incentives - SAF Investor Swedavia raises SEK 2 billion through green bond issuance to support sustainable investments and operations - International Airport Review Airbus, SAS, Swedavia and Vattenfall pave the way for hydrogen aviation in Sweden and Norway - Airbus

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• How Contrails.org aims to turn contrail research into practical climate action

  In this episode, we speak with Matteo Mirolo, Director of Strategy & External Relations at Contrails.org, a science-led nonprofit initiative aimed at transforming contrail research into practical climate action. Mirolo discusses:The substantial climate impact of contrails, which are responsible for 1-2% of human-caused global warming and have roughly the same warming effect as all aviation CO2 emissions since the jet age.The concentrated nature of the problem, with just 5% of flights causing about 80% of aviation’s contrail warming effect, primarily over Europe, North America, and the North Atlantic.Contrails.org’s three-pillar approach focusing on science (improving understanding of contrail impacts), technology (developing open-source tools and protocols), and adoption (raising awareness and fostering incentives).The cost-effectiveness of contrail mitigation compared to other decarbonisation options, with studies suggesting only 0.11% extra fuel burn across airline fleets.The vision for seamless integration into airline operations, where contrail avoidance becomes as routine as avoiding turbulence or adverse weather.Contrails.org seeks to be an open, collaborative space, with Mirolo likening it to “a tent under which people can put their furniture.” Its goal is to address the contrail issue through collective effort, recognising that effective management requires coordination across the aviation sector.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Alejandra Martín Frías, Head of Sustainability Research at FLIGHTKEYS, who shared insights into the company’s research on contrail avoidance. Check it out here. Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.Feel free to reach out via email to [email protected]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.Links & More:Contrails.orgHow airplane contrails are helping make the planet warmer - Yale e360 Feasibility of contrail avoidance in a commercial flight planning system: an operational analysis - IOPscience Understanding contrail management: opportunities, challenges, and insights - RMI

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