Presented by SkyTeam

The Aviation Challenge

One of the aviation industry's greatest sustainability challenges.

Every year, real flights. Real solutions. Air Europa has been demonstrating since 2022 that aviation can be more sustainable.

5
consecutive years participating

51
solutions implemented

4
awards

+9.000t
of CO2 avoided
in 2025

What is the challenge about?

The Aviation Challenge is a global competition promoted by SkyTeam in which airlines from around the world implement real sustainable solutions and measure their impact using verifiable data, ranging from emissions reduction to social impact and operational innovation.

We participate because we believe that the best way to move forward is by testing real solutions, not by making promises.

The Objective

To bring together the world's leading airlines to develop, test, and measure solutions that make aviation more environmentally, socially, and operationally sustainable.

How it works

Each airline selects at least one showcase flight on a specific date. On that flight, all solutions are activated and measured using verifiable indicators compared against reference flights.

Why it matters

The Aviation Challenge allows us to experiment, measure, and validate solutions under real operating conditions. Many of the initiatives developed during the challenge have the potential to be incorporated into our regular operations and, in some cases, serve as a benchmark for other airlines, helping accelerate the transformation of the sector toward more sustainable aviation.

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2026 edition

The challenge creating impact in the air, on the ground, and at destination

MAD→SSA
Madrid · Salvador, Bahia

SEPTEMBER 22, 2026  BOEING 787 DREAMLINER 8h 55m · LONH-HAUL

MAD→AMS
Madrid · Amsterdam

OCTOBER 2, 2026 BOEING 737 MAX 2h 30m · SHORT-HAUL EFFICIENCY

New projects for 2026

Waste 360

Waste360 is our project to understand and improve how we manage waste across the entire operation, on board, in catering, and in maintenance. We monitor waste flows from destination to destination to understand exactly what is generated, how it is handled, and where improvements can be made. Through this traceability, we drive concrete action plans that increase circularity and reduce the environmental impact of every flight.

CROSS INDUSTRY COLLABORATION WASTE MANAGEMENT

From Consumable to Repairable:
Collaboration with AIRE

Together with AIRE Cabin Solutions, we are committed to a simple principle with a major impact: repair instead of replace. Folding trays, armrests, seat components, screen frames, textile elements — thousands of components that, rather than being replaced with new parts, are repaired and returned to the aircraft. Less waste, fewer raw materials, less energy. Moving from a disposable model to one based on repair and reuse.

MROBEST NEW INNOVATION

 

Collaboration with the NGO TETO Brasil

Flying can also be a way to generate positive impact beyond the destination. Together with TETO Brazil, we collaborate to support the construction of emergency housing for families in vulnerable situations in Salvador, Bahia. In addition, we invite our passengers to join this initiative through an onboard donation campaign.

Help us build one more home!

SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITYBEST COLLECTIVE EMPOWERMENT

 

Travel Light

At Air Europa, we are committed to promoting responsible travel habits. Through the Light Luggage initiative, we demonstrate how a small action by passengers can generate an operational impact: the lower the weight on board, the lower the fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
To reward this collaboration, Air Europa Suma Programme customers whose checked baggage remains below the established thresholds (16.5 kg on Madrid-Amsterdam and 18 kg on Madrid-Salvador de Bahía flights) will receive 50 additional Tier Miles on top of those earned for flying, as recognition of their contribution to reducing the environmental footprint of their journey.

FLIGHT OPS BEST NEW INNOVATION

Operational efficiency in recurrent pilot training courses

Flight crews play a fundamental role in achieving the company's efficiency objectives. The correct application of operational procedures, knowledge of fuel management best practices and an understanding of the impact that certain decisions have on energy consumption and emissions contribute directly to improving the environmental and economic performance of operations. For this reason, we have included in recurrent flight crew training courses a training programme designed to strengthen the culture of efficiency and help crews understand how their daily contribution supports Air Europa's strategic decarbonisation and sustainability goals.

FLIGHT OPS

We continue improving what works

Before each flight, our planning teams analyse multiple variables to determine the most efficient route. The shortest route is not always the most efficient — factors such as wind patterns, weather conditions, airspace restrictions, or traffic congestion can result in one trajectory consuming less fuel than another that may appear more direct. Flight planning is carried out as close as possible to departure time in order to leverage the most up-to-date weather information and optimise fuel consumption throughout the entire journey.

Many activities around the aircraft require specialised vehicles, including baggage transport, ramp handling, towing, and support services. The exclusive use of electric vehicles helps reduce direct emissions associated with these activities while also decreasing noise pollution within the airport environment.

Through OptiClimb, we use artificial intelligence to determine the most fuel-efficient climb profile. This system, winner of TAC 2025, is implemented on 80% of our flights and prevents more than 9,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. In addition, we carry out precise fuel load planning: the greater the weight, the higher the fuel consumption, so we load only what is necessary while always maintaining all required safety margins.

Traditionally, the transport of onboard textiles (blankets, pillows, etc.) has required a significant amount of single-use materials. Replacing disposable bags with reusable bags, together with the gradual elimination of other plastics used in catering and cabin products, allows us to reduce waste and move towards more circular operating models.

Through pre-flight emails, the onboard magazine, and other communication channels, we explain to passengers what The Aviation Challenge is, Air Europa’s sustainability commitments, and the specific initiatives being implemented on that flight. The flight itself becomes an opportunity to raise awareness and engage those travelling with us.

The SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is one of the aviation industry's most important tools for reducing emissions. Unlike conventional fuel, it is produced from waste materials — such as used cooking oils and agricultural or forestry residues. Although it is used in blend with traditional jet fuel, it can significantly reduce emissions throughout its life cycle.

Through Chooose, we estimate the carbon footprint of each journey based on factors such as the route, travel class, and the type of aircraft used. In addition to understanding the estimated emissions associated with their trip, passengers can make a voluntary contribution to support certified climate projects that generate measurable environmental benefits.

While this contribution does not reduce the emissions generated by the flight itself, it offers a simple option for those who wish to go one step further and support initiatives that contribute to climate action.

 

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Our journey

Each edition brings more solutions and better results.
Expand each year to explore the route, the solutions implemented, and the awards received.

These are the key details of the showcase flight through which Air Europa participated in The Aviation Challenge 2025:

  • Selected Route: MAD - GRU

  • Flight Number: UX057

  • Flight Distance: 8,378 km

  • Date: 22 October 2025

  • Aircraft: Boeing 787-9

  • CO₂ Intensity: 480 gCO₂/RTK

 

The initiatives developed during this edition were recognised by The Aviation Challenge’s international judging panel, making it Air Europa’s best result since joining the challenge.

  • 1st award: Most Impactful Solution – Flight Ops
  • 1st award: Sustainability Training & Development
  • Finalist: Data & Insights
  • We implemented OptiClimb, powered by artificial intelligence, to optimise climb profiles and reduce fuel consumption.
  • We selected the most efficient aircraft for the route, maximising operational performance.
  • We used real-time flight planning, integrating meteorological and operational data.
  • We launched the "Sustainability Is Everyone's Responsibility" training programme to foster an ESG culture throughout the organisation.
  • We replaced single-use plastic cups with reusable alternatives, potentially avoiding nearly 2 million items of waste per year.

  • We introduced reusable fabric bags for transporting onboard textiles.
  • We strengthened waste segregation and reduction practices on board.
  • We used electric and hybrid vehicles in ground operations.
  • We incorporated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into the showcase flight.

These are the key details of the showcase flight through which Air Europa participated in The Aviation Challenge 2024:

  • Selected route: MAD-SDQ
  • Flight number: UX089
  • Flight distance: 6,690 km
  • Date: 1 October 2024
  • Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
  • CO₂ intensity: 589.89 gCO₂/RTK

 

These are the categories in which Air Europa was recognised during this edition of The Aviation Challenge:

  • Finalist: Best Scaled Solution – Flight Ops
  • Finalist: Best Customer Collaboration
  • Finalist: Sustainability and Efficiency at Every Stage

 

  • We supported a social impact project at destination together with Fundación La Matica, including community initiatives and a financial donation.
  • We organised a humanitarian aid collection campaign with the participation of both passengers and crew.
  • We distributed recycled amenity kits, made from repurposed seat covers.
  • We eliminated single-use plastics by replacing blanket and pillow wrapping with recycled paper.
  • We optimised catering loads using artificial intelligence, reducing food waste.

  • We served seasonal and locally sourced menus, reducing the environmental impact associated with food transportation.
  • We applied continuous climb and descent operations, reducing fuel consumption.
  • We used electric and hybrid vehicles in ground operations to reduce emissions.
  • We incorporated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into the showcase flight.

These are the key details of the showcase flight through which Air Europa participated in The Aviation Challenge 2023:

  • Selected route: MAD-AMS-MAD
  • Flight number: UX1091
  • Flight distance: 1,461 km
  • Date: 20 May 2023
  • Aircraft: Boeing 787
  • CO₂ intensity: 370 gCO₂/RTK

 

These are the categories in which Air Europa was recognised during this edition of The Aviation Challenge:

  • 1st award: Lowest CO₂ Emissions – Aircraft Efficiency

 

  • We leveraged the efficiency of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to reduce energy consumption and enhance onboard comfort.
  • We brought sustainability closer to passengers through an informational video explaining the initiatives implemented during the flight.
  • We served fresh products in reusable containers, reducing waste generation.
  • We introduced more sustainable materials, including recycled paper, biodegradable plastics, and recyclable packaging.
  • We leveraged the efficiency of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to reduce energy consumption and enhance onboard comfort.
  • We brought sustainability closer to passengers through an informational video explaining the initiatives implemented during the flight.
  • We served fresh products in reusable containers, reducing waste generation.
  • We introduced more sustainable materials, including recycled paper, biodegradable plastics, and recyclable packaging.

These are the key details of the showcase flight through which Air Europa participated in The Aviation Challenge 2022:

  • Selected route: MAD-LPA
  • Flight number: UX9164
  • Flight distance: 1,765 km
  • Date: 9 May 2022
  • Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
  • CO₂ intensity:

 

These are the categories in which Air Europa was recognised during this edition of The Aviation Challenge:

  • 1st award: Best Employee Engagement

 

  • We reduced operational noise impact by up to 60% through optimised flight procedures.
  • We eliminated unnecessary plastics by replacing them with biodegradable materials.
  • We collaborated with Gate Gourmet on the LIFE Zero Cabin Waste project to improve the management and recovery of cabin waste.
  • We served menus prepared with local and seasonal products, while also supporting local suppliers.

  • We optimised the flight path in collaboration with ENAIRE, implementing continuous climb and descent operations.
  • We engaged passengers through a survey printed on biodegradable seed paper, helping to raise environmental awareness.
  • We operated the flight with a gender-balanced crew, promoting equal opportunities.

Air Europa Express
Our subsidiary

These are the key details of the showcase flight through which Air Europa Express participated in The Aviation Challenge 2025:

  • Selected route: MAD-LPA
  • Flight number: AEA9156
  • Flight distance: 1,765 km
  • Date: 9 September 2025
  • Aircraft: Boeing 737-8
  • CO₂ intensity: 578 gCO₂/RTK

 

These are the categories in which Air Europa was recognised during this edition of The Aviation Challenge:

  • Finalist: Team of the Year

 

  • We incorporated 2% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as an alternative to conventional jet fuel, reducing the flight’s climate impact.
  • We applied operational efficiency solutions such as OptiClimb, selecting the lowest-fuel-consumption route and choosing the most efficient aircraft for the operation.
  • We adjusted the flight plan using the latest weather information available, optimising the route to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
  • We used electric vehicles in ground operations to reduce emissions associated with airport activities.
  • We reduced the weight carried on the flight through specific load optimisation measures, contributing to lower fuel consumption.

  • We used electric vehicles in ground operations to reduce airport-related emissions.
  • We promoted the digitalisation of processes, reducing paper consumption and improving operational efficiency.
  • We operated with a gender-balanced crew, reinforcing our commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
  • We provided each passenger with a locally produced organic rice sachet, supporting sustainable agriculture and strengthening our connection with the local community.
  • We operated the flight using a Boeing 737, taking advantage of the efficiency of one of the most modern aircraft in the Air Europa Express fleet.

These are the key details of the showcase flight through which Air Europa Express participated in The Aviation Challenge 2024:

  • Selected route: PMI-VLC
  • Flight number: UX4011
  • Flight distance: 276 km
  • Date: 6 September 2025
  • Aircraft: Boeing 737-8
  • CO₂ intensity: 799.59 gCO₂/RTK

 

  • We incorporated 2% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce the environmental impact associated with the flight.
  • We applied strict weight and waste management controls, moving towards a zero-waste model while improving operational efficiency.
  • We achieved a full load factor, helping to reduce emissions per passenger carried.
  • We selected a more efficient route to minimise fuel consumption during the operation.
  • We used electric vehicles in ground operations to reduce airport-related emissions.
  • We promoted the digitalisation of processes, reducing paper consumption and improving operational efficiency.
  • We operated with a gender-balanced crew, reinforcing our commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
  • We provided each passenger with a locally produced organic rice sachet, supporting sustainable agriculture and strengthening our connection with the local community.
  • We operated the flight using a Boeing 737, taking advantage of the efficiency of one of the most modern aircraft in the Air Europa Express fleet.