KLM Cityhopper Trials New Initiatives on Dublin-Amsterdam Route

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is continuing its efforts to reduce its environmental impact by testing practical innovations both onboard and during flight operations, alongside key priorities such as fleet renewal and SAF.

As part of this focus, KLM Cityhopper, which operates most KLM services between Dublin and Amsterdam with the Embraer 195-E2, has selected this route to trial initiatives on 30 September 2026, under The Aviation Challenge. 

The Aviation Challenge is a collaboration led by the SkyTeam alliance involving airlines, suppliers, airports, and ground handlers. Its goal is to identify and test workable ideas that can lower aviation’s environmental impact and improve operational efficiency. Results from these trials are shared among participating airlines so successful measures can be adopted more broadly. 

Examples of initiatives tested on the Amsterdam – Dublin – Amsterdam route:

GROUND OPERATIONS

The main benefit of using electric equipment is the reduction of local emissions. 

This is common practice in Amsterdam, with all ground equipment on the platform being electric except for the fuel truck.  

In Dublin, KLM’s ground handling agent, Swissport, tested the turnaround operations using as much electric equipment as possible, including belt loaders, passenger steps, tugs for baggage carts, and the Ground Power Unit (GPU) that powers onboard systems without running the aircraft’s engines.

FLIGHT OPTIMISATION

SITA is a specialist in air transport communications and information technology.

Together with SITA, KLM Cityhopper is trialing OptiDescent, a technology designed to improve the prediction of an aircraft’s descent profile. This aviation system also designed by SITA optimises an aircraft’s climb profile to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining flight efficiency using data such as aircraft type, weight, weather conditions, and route.

WASTE REDUCTION

KLM collects and recycles up to 14 types of waste on its European flights: cardboard, metal, glass, cans, plastic, and more. The redesigned trolley has additional drawers for sorting recyclable materials and less space for residual waste. A new cup holder also facilitates the separate collection of coffee and plastic cups.

Aside from Dublin, KLM will operate a showcase flight from Amsterdam to Delhi on 28 September under The Aviation Challenge. Furthermore, throughout the month of October, KLM will focus on increasing awareness and understanding of SAF and its importance in reducing aviation emissions.

KLM will show an onboard SAF information video (when available) and feature SAF-related content in its in-flight magazine, Holland Herald. The airline will also explore how crew members and KLM Sustainability Ambassadors can actively engage passengers in conversations about SAF.

Zita Schellekens, SVP Impact & Innovation for KLM, said: “Further improving the sustainability of aviation requires both innovation and collaboration. The Aviation Challenge brings those two elements together. By testing new solutions in real-life operations and actively involving passengers, colleagues, and partners, we can learn from one another and take meaningful steps forward together.”