Triple Win for Kenya Airways at Aviation Challenge 2025

Kenya Airways (KQ) has once again emerged as a leader in sustainable aviation, securing three awards at The Aviation Challenge 2025. This marks the fourth year the carrier has been recognized for its practical approach to green flight, proving how African aviation is driving global innovation through strategic partnerships and eco­conscious operations.

At this year’s challenge, Kenya Airways received the following awards including:

• Most Impactful Solution -Catering

• Game Changer of the Year

• Special Recognition for Collaboration with KLM.

George Kamal, Acting Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, commenting on the multiple awards won noted, “This recognition shows our commitment to expanding sustainable practices through innovation and focused action. It reflects the hard work of our people and partners as we continue to embed sustainability into our operations and create real change across the industry. We are proud to play our part in building a stronger future for aviation.”

The Most Impactful Solution Catering and Game Changer of the Year awards recognise initiatives that are used on all Kenya Airways flights. These include recyclable aluminium food packaging, bamboo cutlery instead of single use plastic, paper cups replacing plastic cups, and canned drinks instead of plastic bottles.

Together, these actions have helped Kenya Airways avoid more than 337 tonnes of single use plastic every year and save over KES 50 million annually. This reflects the airline’s progress in making sustainable aviation part of normal operations.

Kenya Airways also received Special Recognition for Collaboration for its continued partnership with KLM. Over four editions of The Aviation Challenge, the two airlines have worked together to share ideas, develop practical solutions, and speed up their use across operations. This collaboration shows the value of airlines working together to drive sustainability.

Additionally Jambojet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, was also recognised at the challenge, winning the Most Compelling Story award. The recognition highlights Jambojet’s storytelling approach in showcasing sustainability efforts and impact.

The awards were presented at a global aviation sustainability event held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event brought together SkyTeam member airlines to develop practical and scalable solutions for a greener aviation industry.