Interview with Germany Director Stefan Gumuseli (Air France-KLM): “Sustainable flying is the greatest challenge of the future”
The Corona crisis was particularly bitter for the Dutch airline KLM – it burst in the middle of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the world’s oldest airline. Germany Director Stefan Gumuseli on the challenges.
FOCUS Online: How hard was KLM hit by the worst crisis in its 100-year history?
Stefan Gumuseli: What we are currently experiencing has not yet been experienced in our industry. In October 2019 we celebrated our 100th anniversary and were very positive. Corona hit us all out of the blue. Above all, the uncoordinated travel warnings as well as the different hygiene measures and entry regulations in many countries gave us a lot of trouble. Fortunately, there is now a lot more coordination between the countries, which makes our planning easier.
How has KLM got through the Corona crisis so far?
We have always adapted capacity to demand, KLM never completely stopped air traffic. In the first few months, we worked with Air France to bring more than half a million returnees home. We are also very active on the cargo side: at the beginning of the pandemic, we participated in the airlift for a flow of around 90 million mouth masks, protective clothing and breathing apparatus. Now we are bringing the vaccine to the Netherlands and the rest of the world safely and quickly.
Do you expect a return to the passenger numbers of the past after Corona?
It will certainly be 2023, probably even 2024, before we reach the pre-crisis level of 2019.
Will your passengers need proof of vaccination in the future?
It is too early to answer that question. The most important thing would be global coordination. We are still trying new ways, such as the COVID-checked flights from Atlanta to Amsterdam that we launched in December 2020 with our transatlantic partner Delta Airlines. Passengers can test themselves in Atlanta before departure and will be released from quarantine on arrival in Amsterdam if they have received a negative PCR test result.
In your opinion, how will flying change as a result of the pandemic?
Crises always bring progress. During the aviation crisis surrounding the volcanic eruption in Iceland in March 2010, we massively expanded our social media departments and were able to communicate directly with our customers. We also need a lot more digitization and automation, for example with refunds. We have invested heavily in this.
KLM is seen by airlines as a pioneer for more sustainable aviation. What concrete measures are there currently?
Together with Air France, we are in the top 3 of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the 15th time! Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo recently launched the Cargo Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) program, with which freight forwarders and shippers can reduce the carbon footprint of their shipments. And last September the scale model of the Flying-V flew for the first time. The energy-efficient aircraft of the future was designed by KLM together with the TU Delft. The design of the aircraft integrates the passenger cabin, cargo hold and fuel tanks into the wings, creating a spectacular V-shape. Computer calculations have shown that the aircraft’s improved aerodynamic shape and lighter weight will reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent compared to today’s most modern aircraft. Our Fly Responsibly initiative, with three strategic pillars, encompasses all of KLM’s activities to make the future more sustainable: reduce, replace, offset.
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How far are you on sustainable fuel?
We are also investing more heavily in this. In 2019, KLM bought 6,911 tons of SAF (Abbreviation for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, d. Ed.) And announced that it would build the first SAF plant in the Netherlands in partnership with SkyNRG in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, which will focus on the production of SAF, BioLPG and naphtha specialized and mainly uses waste products from local industry as a basis. KLM is also investing in other innovative ideas such as recycling different types of catering items within a closed system and recycling PET bottles into 3D printer filaments for making aircraft repair and maintenance tools.
When will your machines fly CO2-free?
The aim of the Air France-KLM Group is to reduce CO2 emissions by 50 percent by 2030 compared to 2005. Operation on the ground should be CO2-neutral by 2030.
Is hydrogen propulsion an issue?
This technology is not yet mature. The aircraft manufacturers already have projects on the subject of hydrogen, which we find very interesting.
Does flying have to get more expensive?
Yes and no. Our strategy goes from “more” to “better”. We will have a much lower capacity in the market, which will also have an impact on prices. However, we will continue to invest in the product and will probably have an independent premium economy class in summer 2022.
What is your airline’s vision for the next 100 years?
Sustainable flying is the greatest challenge of the future. The protection of nature, the environment and the climate is more urgent than ever today and the expectations of more sustainable aviation are sky high. Together with our partners, we are looking for solutions for the next 100 years. KLM also wants to set standards for tomorrow’s aviation in the coming century, with sustainability being the top priority.