KLM Deploys Artificial Intelligence to Combat Food Wastage

KLM is working on using artificial intelligence to determine the number of meals on board to help combat food waste. Not all bookings made result in a passenger on board a KLM aircraft. Depending on the class, between 3 and 5% of booked passengers do not show up (on time) for the flight.

The latest AI model (TRAYS) is the first model specifically developed for KLM’s catering activities. The AI model predicts the number of passengers on board based on historical data. The Meals On Board System (MOBS) receives the expected passenger numbers per flight with separate forecasts for 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 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 AI model TRAYS was launched at the end of last year by Kickstart AI. The initiative assembled talent from leading companies, including KLM, bol, Ahold Delhaize, NS and ING, to work on the development of this model.

According to a three-month analysis, 63% less food is wasted compared to catering for every booked passenger. The largest improvement is seen on intercontinental KLM flights from Schiphol, where 2.5 fewer meals (1.3 kg) need 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.

KLM is also working on the application of artificial intelligence in other parts of its business operations. For instance, AI is important in making aircraft maintenance smarter.

In addition, AI programs are used to simulate predicted bad weather days, making it clear in advance which schedule would be best to allow flights to continue as much as possible. AI also helps customers by giving personalised travel tips after booking a flight.