Air Europa Awarded in SkyTeam Sustainable Challenge

Air Europa recognized by SkyTeam in 'The Aviation Challenge' for sustainability, flight operations, and ESG training achievements. A standard of excellence.

Air Europa has achieved two awards in the fourth edition of “The Aviation Challenge” (TAC), SkyTeam's global challenge that seeks to contribute to generating a measurable impact leading to a more sustainable future for the aviation industry. The airline, which was nominated in four categories, has received the In-Flight Operations award within the Direct Impact Awards category, as well as the Excellence in Sustainability Training and Development award, in the Organizational Transformation Awards category.

The first of these recognitions highlights, according to the awards jury, the integrated optimization of flights through the applied combination of different initiatives. These include fleet selection for performance, real-time planning, and the use of OptiClimb technology, which reduces fuel consumption during the aircraft's ascent phase thanks to decision-making based on the most up-to-date operational and meteorological data. Thanks to this, and in coordination with Air Europa's IOC (Integrated Operations Center), it is possible to significantly reduce emissions. The airline estimates that, thanks to OptiClimb, 3,000 tons of fuel are saved annually, while avoiding the generation of more than 10,000 tons of CO₂.

Regarding the Excellence in Sustainability Training and Development award, special value has been placed on the program Air Europa launched in 2025 with a comprehensive ESG (environmental, social, and governance criteria) approach that seeks to incorporate sustainability into all areas of the airline. As part of the company's general strategy to foster a responsible and sustainable culture, the initiative aims to ensure that every employee is aware of their role in achieving environmental and social objectives. The training provided combines online modules with in-person workshops, promoting awareness of environmental management, the circular economy, human rights, diversity, inclusion, and sustainable business practices.

To showcase these operational advancements, Air Europa Express connected Madrid and Las Palmas on September 29 with a flight optimized to reduce emissions and environmental impact, while on October 22, Air Europa operated its connection between the Spanish capital and Sao Paulo applying similar advancements aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In both cases, various efficiency and sustainability measures were developed, such as the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the calculation of the most efficient routes, single-engine taxiing for aircraft departure and arrival, the use of reusable containers, the use of Groundforce electric vehicles for ground tasks, or the activation of a strategically located office to facilitate crew access on foot, among others.

The Aviation Challenge

TAC is a global initiative designed to help accelerate sustainable innovation and shared learning in the aviation industry through friendly competition and measurable impact. In its fourth year, it has become a platform for real-world action, bringing together 22 airlines on this occasion to test, implement, and scale sustainable solutions in flight and ground operations. All of them have sought to carry out the most sustainable flights possible, while addressing key areas such as emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, and waste management.

The true objective of TAC goes beyond competition and operational performance: this project aims to generate scalable solutions that can be implemented throughout the sector to help create a more responsible and resilient future for global air travel and the world it connects with.