Marjan Rintel: Automation, AI, and data at KLM

This year, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines joined World Aviation Festival as the event’s Official Airline Partner. Onsite, KLM CEO, Marjan Rintel discussed the airline’s sustainability strategy, use of AI and predictive maintenance, the impact of digitalisation, and the importance of industry collaboration.

Speaking on technology integration and digital transformation, Rintel highlighted a few key ways the airline is leveraging innovative tech. Rintel explained how AI has help the airline reduce onboard waste by 60 per cent, improved efficiency through data, and even mitigated the challenges of a tight labour market.

Rintel also emphasised that the airline is taking responsibility, with sustainability initiatives and billions of euros investment into a new fleet, operational processes, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Speaking on the next steps with SAF, Rintel said:

“The main thing is how can we work together as an industry, with governments, with the EU to at least develop sustainable aviation fuel. To have more supply against reasonable prices so it’s affordable as an industry. Of course, at the end, this incorporates passengers and customers. They all need to at least pay for their soft part as well so that we’re really doing it together.”

To find out how KLM is cutting noise pollution by 50 per cent, CO2 emissions by 40 per cent, and onboard catering waste by 60 per cent, watch the full interview below.

Questions asked:

• As a flag carrier, how is KLM working to align its environmental strategies with the country’s wider goal of being a leader in sustainability?​
• Follow up question: How does technology fit into these aims?​
• What are some of the major trends we are seeing when it comes to digitalisation and emerging tech, and how do you foresee these shaping the future of the airline?​
• Why did you chose to join the World Aviation Festival as our Official Airline Partner this year? How do you think the event drives tangible change in the industry?​

For more from onsite at World Aviation Festival 2024 see:

• Changes at Schiphol: Pieter van Oord shares details on the 6 billion EUR investment plan
• Sustainability “next steps” with Pittsburgh International Airport’s CEO
• Sun Country Airlines CEO shares the “secret sauce” to remaining profitable amid industry challenges

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