KLM LEVERAGING AI TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE ON FLIGHTS

• Using the TRAYS AI model, developed specifically for KLM, 63% less food is wasted per passenger

• The AI model predicts flight meal needs starting 17 days to departure and up to 20 minutes before take-off

Nairobi, Kenya, 20 February 2024: KLM is working on using AI to minimize food waste by accurately estimating meal quantities for each flight, considering the 3-5% of passengers who either don't show up or arrive late.

TRAYS, KLM's new AI model, is tailored for catering, forecasting passenger numbers based on historical data. The Meals On Board System (MOBS) then uses these predictions to provide separate forecasts for the Business, Premium Comfort, and Economy classes.

The prediction using the AI model starts 17 days before departure and continues until 20 minutes before the flight departs. This means that the most accurate possible number of passengers is predicted for the entire catering process from purchasing to loading, thus preventing a surplus of meals.

The TRAYS model was launched at the end of last year by Kickstart AI, assembling talent from leading companies, including KLM, bol, Ahold Delhaize, NS and ING.

“We are pleased that we have been able to make a valuable contribution to this important project for KLM. Our goal with Kickstart AI is to accelerate the adoption of AI in the Dutch business community and we look forward to working closely with Dutch companies to make this happen,” said Sander Stomph, the CEO and co-founder of Kickstart AI.

A three-month analysis shows that using TRAYS, 63% less food is wasted compared to catering for every booked passenger. The largest improvements were seen on intercontinental KLM flights from Schiphol, where 2.5 fewer meals (1.3 kg) needed to be thrown away per flight. On an annual basis, this amounts to a saving of 111,000 kg in meals across all KLM flights that are catered from Schiphol.

Meanwhile, KLM continues to use AI across various business areas, including smarter aircraft maintenance and predicting bad weather for optimal scheduling. This is in addition to sending out personalized travel tips for customers post-booking.

About KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

For over a century, KLM has been a pioneer in the airline industry. 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. The KLM network connects the Netherlands with all of the world’s key economic regions and is a powerful engine driving the Dutch economy.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is part of the Air France–KLM Group. KLM is also a member of the global SkyTeam Alliance, which has 19 member airlines.

For more information about KLM, please visit https://www.klm.com/