Kenya Airways Bags Two Awards for Sustainability Innovation at SkyTeam Challenge

Kenya Airways (KQ) has emerged as a top performer at the 2024 SkyTeam Aviation  Challenge, earning accolades for its sustainability initiatives.  

Kenya Airways won two prestigious awards: Best Scaled Catering Solution and Best Approach to Scaling  Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Kenya Airways was awarded in the Best Scaled Catering Solution category,  recognising the airline for its innovative efforts to reduce single-use plastics onboard. By introducing  traditional African bread baskets and aluminium food containers in economy class, the airline is set to  eliminate 24 tonnes of plastic waste annually. In the Best Approach to Scaling SAF (Sustainable Aviation  Fuel) category, KQ’s was commended for its partnership with a local SAF producer to establish Kenya’s first  SAF production plant.  

This initiative will deliver affordable SAF to Kenya and the region, create jobs for the Kwale County  community, and boost Kenya’s tree cover by cultivating energy seed plants on arid and degraded lands. 

Additionally, Kenya Airways received recognition in other categories that included: Best Team  Collaboration for the Sustainability Champions program, which fosters cross-departmental collaboration;  Best Climate Literacy for the multi-level sustainability training programs; and special recognition in Scaling  SAF, Best Catering Solution, and Airline Participation.  

The winners of the SkyTeam Aviation Challenge 2024 were announced at an awards ceremony held in  Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 14-15 January 2024. 

Reflecting on the achievement, Kenya Airways CEO, Allan Kilavuka remarked, “The wins and recognition at  the 2024 Aviation Challenge are testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation. By  embracing sustainable aviation fuel, reducing single-use plastics, and fostering collaboration across teams,  we are driving meaningful change for the aviation industry and our planet.” 

This year’s competition marked the third edition of the prestigious SkyTeam Aviation Challenge, an annual  event organized by the SkyTeam Alliance to recognize innovative solutions that address critical challenges  in the aviation industry. The 2024 challenge focused on scaling previously implemented solutions to drive  sustainable impact. 

Kenya Airways’ participation included successfully operating four long-haul flights—Nairobi to New York,  Amsterdam, Paris, and London—under sustainability-focused parameters. Key efforts included sustainable  in-flight catering, geo-optimisation of ground operations, e-mobility solutions for passenger transport, a  “travel light” policy encouraging passengers to minimise baggage weight, and waste management  initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly operations. 

Kenya Airways’ participation is part of a broader commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship,  and nurturing talent, further positioning the airline as a global leader in sustainable aviation.

Also Read: Kenya Airways to Start Direct Flights to Gatwick Airport in July 2025