Less weight on board counts for a lot at KLM

Claire Luiten is CSR & process engineer at KLM Inflight Services. The department she works for develops products for use on board. Claire: ‘It’s because we are such a large, multi-facetted organisation, that every decision made or saving implemented has such great impact. Which can lead to an emission reduction of tons annually. That's what really motivates me.’

 ‘Anything that isn’t a permanent fixture comes from us. More than ten years ago the following question arose: how can we reduce the weight on board and thereby our CO2 emissions and save on kerosine? It all began with lighter trolleys and we now no longer have newspapers on board. During the past few years, we also conducted a product’s life-cycle assessment: here, we analyse a product’s whole life-cycle. From the winning of the raw materials, through production and (re-) use, up to and including waste processing. In other words: from the cradle to the grave.’

‘Sometimes it’s a question of minimizing waste, but catering is also an area in which we are interested. For example, responsibly produced soya and using Rondeel eggs in our catering products. As you can see, CSR is more than just reducing on board weight and recycling. In addition, EU rules also impact upon our product choices. Single-use plastic cutlery, straws and stirrers are now forbidden.’

‘In cooperation with other departments, we provide alternatives which are not only customer-friendly but also practical for the crew and kind to KLM’s purse. We ask ourselves the same question every day: “Why do we do things the way we do? Can we do things differently, better, cheaper or more responsibly?” There truly is space for innovation.’

Less weight on board counts for a lot at KLM

Claire Luiten is CSR & process engineer at KLM Inflight Services. The department she works for develops products for use on board. Claire: ‘It’s because we are such a large, multi-facetted organisation, that every decision made or saving implemented has such great impact. Which can lead to an emission reduction of tons annually. That's what really motivates me.’

 ‘Anything that isn’t a permanent fixture comes from us. More than ten years ago the following question arose: how can we reduce the weight on board and thereby our CO2 emissions and save on kerosine? It all began with lighter trolleys and we now no longer have newspapers on board. During the past few years, we also conducted a product’s life-cycle assessment: here, we analyse a product’s whole life-cycle. From the winning of the raw materials, through production and (re-) use, up to and including waste processing. In other words: from the cradle to the grave.’

‘Sometimes it’s a question of minimizing waste, but catering is also an area in which we are interested. For example, responsibly produced soya and using Rondeel eggs in our catering products. As you can see, CSR is more than just reducing on board weight and recycling. In addition, EU rules also impact upon our product choices. Single-use plastic cutlery, straws and stirrers are now forbidden.’

‘In cooperation with other departments, we provide alternatives which are not only customer-friendly but also practical for the crew and kind to KLM’s purse. We ask ourselves the same question every day: “Why do we do things the way we do? Can we do things differently, better, cheaper or more responsibly?” There truly is space for innovation.’

Perfect combination of flying and working in the office

‘Searching for, and finding partners to cooperate with, is really enjoyable and invigorating. On a given day I could be in contact with the CSR office at the KLM Head Office, whilst the following day I may be on the phone with lobbyists in Brussels or requesting information from KLM’s external stations. In my two years here, I’ve built up an extensive network within the organization. The fantastic combination of flying and working in the office is a big plus. Not only for me personally but also for my job in the office. I’m better able to assess the workability of certain choices. It also enables me to really put my Master and specialism in Science Communication to good use.’

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‘Following my graduation thesis, I flew as a cabin attendant for four months on a summer contract. That has now become a bit more….My study background and experience as junior researcher at Utrecht University formed the basis of my curiosity about the background to processes. One of the great advantages of working at KLM is that there are lots of possibilities. But you have to take the initiative yourself. Only you are responsible for your happiness!’


‘Following my graduation thesis, I flew as a cabin attendant for four months on a summer contract. That has now become a bit more….My study background and experience as junior researcher at Utrecht University formed the basis of my curiosity about the background to processes. One of the great advantages of working at KLM is that there are lots of possibilities. But you have to take the initiative yourself. Only you are responsible for your happiness!’