SkyTeam announces airline finalists of its competition to drive action on sustainability

SkyTeam has announced the finalists across 18 award categories in the fourth edition of The Aviation Challenge, the airline alliance’s global initiative designed to help accelerate sustainable innovation and knowledge sharing in the aviation industry. Twenty-two airlines participated in the competition and last September they completed a month-long series of more than 80 showcase flights, the highest number to date. Collectively, they also submitted 224 solutions and initiatives for awards that were aligned with edition’s ‘Impact’ theme: to demonstrate measurable achievements in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and optimising waste management. All entries were assessed against a comprehensive set of technical criteria by a panel of aviation and sustainability experts, including the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and PA Consulting.

Open to subsidiaries, affiliates and non-SkyTeam member airlines, The Aviation Challenge 2025 finalists were recognised across four main categories, each with subcategories acknowledging their achievements. The four categories are:

Direct Impact – Recognises effective solutions across key operational areas, including flight operations, ground operations, cargo, maintenance, catering and inflight products. Shortlisted initiatives include use of artificial intelligence to improve payload accuracy or climb optimisation; replacement of single-use plastics in catering; and optimisation of potable water loading at outstations.

Organisational Transformation – Honours airlines that have made notable advancements in organisational capabilities across sustainability training, sustainable aviation fuel, procurement and data. Shortlisted initiatives include adoption and scaling of SAF; training programmes to build sustainability awareness; and use of data to improve operational efficiency.

Leadership – Acknowledges airlines that have excelled in leadership, teamwork and collaboration. Shortlisted initiatives include national SAF roadmaps and supply chains; emissions reduction initiatives; and transformation of aviation waste into micro, small and medium enterprises.

Inspiration – Recognises the best overall showcase flight, as well as distinction in storytelling and knowledge sharing. Shortlisted initiatives include regional knowledge-sharing events and university collaborations, as well as storytelling around emissions reduction and waste management programmes.

Airlines taking part in The Aviation Challenge 2025 include Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air Europa Express, Air France, China Airlines, Corendon Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Endeavor Air, Garuda Indonesia, JamboJet, Kenya Airways, KLM, KLM Cityhopper, Korean Air, SAS, Saudia, TAROM, Transavia, TUI, Vietnam Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

“Each year, The Aviation Challenge provides participating airlines with a platform to turn innovation into action and take practical steps towards sustainability,” commented Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO. “This fourth edition has been especially inspiring, with participants demonstrating determination, ingenuity and initiative throughout the Challenge. Their commitment was reflected in a record number of showcase flights. We congratulate all the airlines on their efforts to help shape a more responsible future for aviation.”

Finalist submissions are now being reviewed by a panel of international experts and the winners in each category will be announced at an event in Copenhagen from January 20-22, hosted by SAS.

SAS has been named a finalist in five out of six categories it entered: Most impactful solution – Cargo; Most impactful solution – GroundOps; Best in-depth article or report; Best showcase flight; and Game changer of the year.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of colleagues across our organisation who continue to explore new ways to enhance efficiency and strengthen our long-term direction,” said Mads Brandstrup, SVP Communication, Public Affairs and Sustainability at SAS. “Last year’s achievements showed what is possible when innovation and collaboration come together, and being acknowledged again this year demonstrates that this approach continues to make a difference.”

Photo: Copenhagen Airports A/S

Christopher Surgenor
Editor