KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Kenya Airways (KQ) have engaged over 200 students at the University of Nairobi’s School of Engineering, where promising student projects in sustainable aviation were reviewed by airline executives for potential incubation and mentorship.
The event, held on Tuesday, October 14, provided a unique platform for young innovators to pitch ideas focused on sustainable engineering. KQ and KLM explored pathways to further develop selected projects into scalable aviation solutions.
The engagement was part of The Aviation Challenge (TAC), SkyTeam’s annual sustainability initiative that unites member and partner airlines to accelerate decarbonization in aviation.
Last year, the challenge brought together 24 airlines, which operated 33 showcase flights around the world to demonstrate innovation in climate action.
Nairobi was selected as a regional hub this year, and this month, KLM will operate showcase flights into the city, highlighting SAF (alternative aviation fuel) usage and other green aviation practices.
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UoN students impress Kenya Airways and KLM executives
The session at UoN featured a high-impact masterclass led by KLM and KQ teams. Topics included SAF, emissions reduction technologies, and engineering pathways for greener aircraft and airport operations.
Students then presented innovative concepts, including renewable fuel systems and low-emission airport mobility solutions, receiving live feedback from industry professionals.
“These students are thinking boldly about Africa’s role in the future of flight. This is talent that can be mentored and supported to build the foundation for regionally driven solutions to global aviation challenges,” Zita Schellekens, the Air France–KLM Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Strategy and Transformation said while emphasising the importance of such collaborations.
This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening academia–industry collaboration, aligning local innovation with global sustainability goals. Select student projects are now under review for further support, with the two airlines aiming to turn the classroom ideas into tomorrow’s climate solutions.
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KLM is the oldest airline still operating under its original name and aims to be the leading European network carrier in customer-centricity, efficiency, and sustainability.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
It operates both domestic and international flights, serving over 150 destinations worldwide, including flights to Kenya. Its services destinations such as Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, NBO), Mombasa (Moi International Airport, MBA), and Eldoret (Eldoret International Airport, EDL).
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is part of the Air France–KLM Group and is also a member of the global SkyTeam Alliance, which has 19 member airlines.
According to the latest Kenya Airways shareholder report for the year ending December 31, 2024, the Dutch airline holds 451,661,470 shares, representing 7.76% of the total shareholding in Kenya’s national carrier.
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