Thursday, December 28, 2023
In a groundbreaking initiative, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, alongside Business Tampere and airBaltic, convened the Sustainability Forum in Tampere at the end of November 2023.
The event aimed to address and tackle the pressing challenges facing the aviation industry, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. The forum, expertly moderated by Stephen Wright, a distinguished commercial aviation expert and Professor at Tampere University, brought together professionals and decision-makers from the realms of aviation, innovation, and the environment.
Marja Aalto, Senior Specialist at Business Tampere, highlighted the event’s importance as a collaborative platform for shaping a sustainable future, benefitting both residents and visitors in the Tampere region. Soili Varpula from Air France–KLM emphasized the crucial role of aviation in connecting remote regions like Tampere to the world, acknowledging the environmental impact that cannot be overlooked.
Zita Baranova, Head of Sustainability at airBaltic, underscored the significance of considering environmental and social factors in sustainability efforts, emphasizing the current focus on efficient fleets and increased use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Maria Hagelberg, Sustainability Lead at Air France and KLM North Europe, stressed the commitment to lead in SAF incorporation, highlighting the substantial increase in SAF usage by the Air France-KLM Group’s airlines.
Mikko Viinikainen, VP Sustainability and Environment at Finavia, discussed airports’ readiness for future sustainable aviation technologies, regardless of whether they are electric, hydrogen-based, or SAF reliant.
The forum advocated for joint efforts in SAF demand to foster collaboration among stakeholders. Anselm Eisentraut, Head of Market Intelligence & Pricing at Neste Corporation, shared Neste’s substantial investments in SAF production, positioning SAF as a drop-in solution for emission reduction without the need for significant airport infrastructure changes.
The event concluded by highlighting the collective responsibility of both airlines and passengers in fostering sustainable air travel, encouraging small actions that contribute to reducing aviation’s environmental footprint. The Tampere Sustainability Forum has now set a precedent for future collaborations and initiatives in the aviation sector, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
