SkyTeam launches The Aviation Challenge 2025 focused on impact
The theme of TAC 2025 is 'Impact.' This theme reflects the Challenge's commitment to driving tangible and measurable results as it enters its fourth year. Participants will compete by developing and implementing innovative solutions that help advance sustainability in aviation, focusing on key areas such as emissions reduction, energy efficiency and waste management.
'The Aviation Challenge continues to evolve, aiming to deliver measurable impact through industry collaboration. This year, our focus is on turning innovation into action—amplifying ideas that can contribute to meaningful progress today, while creating momentum toward a more sustainable future for aviation. By involving airlines outside of SkyTeam's alliance and building on the work of previous years, we are encouraging the industry to help reduce the environmental footprint of air travel,' said Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO.
To-date, 22 global airlines have confirmed their participation in the 2025 Challenge*, each striving to operate the most sustainable flight possible. For the first time, Transavia Netherlands will participate.
Other confirmed 2025 participants include: Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air Europa Express, Air France, China Airlines, Corendon Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Endeavor Air, Garuda Indonesia, Jambojet, Kenya Airways, KLM, KLM Cityhopper, Korean Air, SAS, Saudia, TAROM, TUI, Vietnam Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
Participants submitted plans for their showcase flight in May 2025 and will continue to make preparations for implementation until September. During the flight window from September 26 to October 26, participants will operate their showcase flights, demonstrating their solutions and contributions to TAC 2025. After evaluation by specialists from the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and PA Consulting, the winners of 18 award categories will be announced in January 2026. (The complete list of TAC 2025 award categories can be found in the 'Notes for Editors' section.)
Since its inauguration, The Aviation Challenge has involved a total of 28 unique participating airlines. These participants have developed and implemented more than 500 innovative solutions designed to help reduce aviation's environmental impact.
The Aviation Challenge will continue to evolve annually while maintaining its focus on collective action and real-world implementation. In 2025 and beyond, TAC will further refine the Challenge criteria to align with emerging sustainability priorities, expand participation and build on the successes of previous years.
Notes: * Registration for new TAC 2025 participants will remain open until the showcase flight window ends.
Aviation Challenge 2025 Award Categories
Awards are organized under four distinct categories:
Direct Impact Awards (By operational area)
Most Impactful Solution – Flight Operations
Most Impactful Solution – Ground Operations
Most Impactful Solution – Cargo
Most Impactful Solution – MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul)
Most Impactful Solution – Catering
Most Impactful Solution – Inflight Products
Organizational Transformation Awards
Sustainability Training & Development
Transformational Impact through SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)
Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Excellence
Data & Insights Pioneer
Leadership Awards
Game Changer of the Year
Team of the Year
Best Cross-Industry Collaboration
Pioneer of the Year
Inspiration Awards
Best Showcase Flight
Best Knowledge-Sharing Contribution
Most Compelling Story
Best In-Depth Article or Report
About The Aviation Challenge
The Aviation Challenge (TAC) is a global SkyTeam initiative that drives real, measurable progress in sustainable aviation. By uniting the aviation industry, sustainability leaders and global innovators, TAC fosters the development and implementation of solutions that reduce emissions, enhance operational efficiency and advance environmental responsibility. The Challenge is not just about ideas—it is about action, data-driven results and scaling proven solutions across the industry.
Through collaboration, transparency and shared learning, TAC accelerates the aviation sector's transition toward a more sustainable future. By showcasing and recognizing real-world impact, TAC empowers airlines to lead the way in transforming aviation for generations to come.
About SkyTeam
SkyTeam is the global airline alliance dedicated to transforming the future of travel by powering the smartest and most integrated customer journey. With a focus on innovation and responsibility, SkyTeam and its members work together to connect customers across an extensive global network of 945+ destinations. SkyTeam offers 750+ airport lounges, award-winning SkyPriority airport services and makes travel more rewarding through its members' loyalty programs. SkyTeam members are Aeroflot (suspended), Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, SAS, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Xiamen Airlines.
Contact: media@skyteam.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
8 hours ago
- Zawya
Gold drops as dollar firms, trade deal hopes sap safe-haven demand
Gold prices slipped on Friday, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar and signs of progress in U.S.-EU trade negotiations that dented safe-haven demand. Spot gold fell 0.7% at $3,343.69 per ounce by 9:31 a.m. ET (1331 GMT). U.S. gold futures fell 0.8% to $3,345.20. The U.S. dollar index rebounded from a more-than-two-week low, making bullion more expensive for overseas buyers, while benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields rose. "The Japan deal was significant, and there's hope for a U.S.-EU agreement before the August 1 deadline. That's sapping safe-haven demand as elevated risk appetite drives capital toward risk assets," said Peter Grant, vice president and senior metals strategist at Zaner Metals. Following this week's U.S.-Japan trade deal, the European Commission said a trade deal with the U.S. is within reach, even as EU members approved counter-tariffs on U.S. goods in case talks fail. On the data front, U.S. jobless claims fell to a three-month low, signaling a stable labor market despite sluggish hiring. Stable labor market data is expected to give the Federal Reserve cover to hold rates steady at 4.25%-4.50% at its meeting next week, even as inflation shows signs of picking up due to U.S. President Donald Trump's import tariffs. Trump's surprise visit to the central bank marked a fresh attempt to pressure Chair Jerome Powell, with the President again urging a deep rate cut. Gold may attract some "buying interest probably at $3,300 level, but perhaps not breaking out to new all-time highs until after the Fed decision," Grant said, adding that the meeting could signal rate cuts later this year. Gold typically performs well during periods of uncertainty and in low-interest-rate environments. Spot silver fell 0.4% to $38.91 per ounce, but was still on track for a weekly gain of about 2%. Platinum was 1.6% lower at $1,385.20, while palladium rose 0.2% at $1,229.94.
Zawya
9 hours ago
- Zawya
Al-Sager: Our strong operational performance continued, with robust profits
Vice Chairman and Group CEO Speaks on the Sidelines of the 1H2025 Analysts' Conference Call Our loan portfolio recorded Strong growth, both in Kuwait and through our international operations Our regional and global footprint continues to play a key role in mitigating risks and sustaining earnings stability Confident in our ability to navigate challenges, we draw strength from our resilience and strategic investments in technology The outlook for project activity in Kuwait remains promising, with positive momentum expected to continue Effective capital planning remains a top priority to ensure we are aligned with our long-term growth objectives Focusing on year-end dividend distribution gives us the flexibility to capitalize on growth opportunities as they arise Our commitment to sustainability remains steadfast as we make meaningful progress on our sustainable finance roadmap Ronghe: The Group maintains strong operating momentum, fueled by robust growth in business volumes Sustained strength in our loan portfolio reflects high asset quality and prudent diversification strategy Mr. Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), stated that the Bank reported a net profit of KD 315.3 million for the first half of 2025, marking a 7.8% increase from KD 292.4 million in the corresponding period of 2024. Speaking on the sidelines of the analysts' conference call for the first-half 2025 results, Al-Sager highlighted that profit before tax surged by 17.0% year-on-year, reaching KD 401.5 million in the first six months of the year. He explained that the new tax regime weighed on profitability, with the effective tax rate rising to 16.0% in the first half of 2025, up from 9.2% in the first half of 2024. Al-Sager added that the Bank's pre-tax profit was further supported by the release of provisions for credit and impairment losses amounting to KD 10 million, compared to a charge of KD 43 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. 'Our returns remained robust, with Return on Average Assets reaching (ROAA) 1.52% and Return on Average Equity (ROAE) standing at 15.1% for the period', Al-Sager said. He explained that the Bank is confident in its ability to adapt and maintain its leadership in the local market, highlighting its readiness to navigate economic headwinds and emerge even stronger, supported by its resilience, continued investment in technology and innovation, and steadfast commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers. Dividend Distribution Policy Regarding the dividend distribution policy, Al-Sager stated that NBK's approach remains unchanged, maintaining a sustainable framework that strikes a balance between delivering attractive shareholder returns and prudently managing capital ratios. He added that the Bank continues to prioritize effective capital planning to ensure capital levels align with its future growth ambitions, an approach it has consistently upheld and will continue to follow going forward. Al-Sager stressed that the Bank remains committed to its approved dividend policy, noting that in light of the strong growth in its loan portfolio both locally and internationally, the Bank has opted to retain interim profits until year-end, with a focus on year-end final dividend distribution. This approach provides greater flexibility to capitalize on growth opportunities as they emerge throughout the year, in alignment with the Bank's strategic priorities. He pointed out that NBK's regional and international presence plays a vital role in mitigating risks, sustaining stable returns, and enhancing operational efficiency. Furthermore, he added that the Bank remains focused on leveraging cross-selling opportunities across its diverse geographical footprint. At the same time, its wealth management arm will continue to capitalize on deep expertise to deliver a comprehensive suite of portfolio management, advisory services, and investment solutions. Meanwhile, the Bank's Islamic banking services will further strengthen their local footprint while diversifying sources of profitability. Projects Market Momentum Al-Sager emphasized that following a strong year of project market activity in 2024, particularly in the second half of the year, the pace of activity moderated slightly during the first half of 2025. He noted that this moderation largely reflects a normalization from the elevated levels seen last year. Nonetheless, the outlook remains encouraging, supported by a pipeline of ongoing projects valued at KD 10 billion, signaling the government's continued commitment to advancing its development and reform agenda. Al-Sager affirmed the Bank's ongoing commitment to sustainability and the advancement of its sustainable finance agenda, highlighting the recent publication of its first Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report, as well as its inaugural TCFD Report. These disclosures underscore NBK's efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in its ESG and sustainable finance strategy. They also reflect the Bank's significant progress in integrating climate considerations across its operations, with a strong emphasis on portfolio diversification and climate risk management. Meanwhile, Mr. Sujit Ronghe, Group Chief Financial Officer at NBK, stated that the Group continues to demonstrate strong operational momentum, driven by robust growth in business volumes, most notably across the loan and investment portfolios. He added that the Group continues to benefit from the strength of its loan portfolio, which demonstrates high asset quality and a well-considered diversification of growth sources. Ronghe explained that key business segments made strong contributions to net profit in the first half of 2025, highlighting their effectiveness as core pillars of the Group's diversification strategy and their role in reinforcing profit resilience. He stressed that NBK Group continues to leverage its unique competitive advantages among Kuwaiti banks, particularly its broad geographic footprint and its ability to operate across both conventional and Islamic banking. Amid growing concerns over the impact of the ongoing tariff war and its implications for the global business landscape, Ronghe explained that NBK remains well-positioned to navigate this volatile environment, a testament to the strength and resilience of its diversified business model. Regarding the catalysts for loan growth during the first half of 2025, Ronghe stated that corporate credit was the primary driver, emphasizing that demand was not concentrated in any single geographic area. Instead, it was well distributed across NBK's network, including the GCC region, international markets, and Boubyan Bank.
Zawya
9 hours ago
- Zawya
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa invests R365m in new high-speed line in South Africa
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) ( has invested R365m in a new state-of-the-art bottling line capable of producing 72,000 bottles per hour at its plant in Midrand, South Africa. The high-speed production line marks a South African first, producing Bonaqua Pump Still 750ml and Powerade 500ml packs with an innovative sports bottle cap. Beyond this milestone, the line will also produce Bonaqua Still in 330ml and 500ml packs, further driving the company's efforts to expand its hydration category. Underscoring a commitment to innovation, the line will additionally produce the recently launched Powerade Springboks Edition. 'By launching this new line, we strengthen our ability to meet growing consumer demand and create shared value across the local value chain, including for our customers and communities,' said Moses Lubisi, Manufacturing and Technical Director at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), a company in the CCBA group. 'Importantly, this investment reaffirms the Coca-Cola system's local approach – we produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally.' 'At CCBA, our passion for refreshing the continent drives everything we do,' said Sunil Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of CCBA. 'This new production line in South Africa represents a key step in our ambitious growth plans in all our markets on the continent. It enhances our ability to meet consumer needs while reinforcing our commitment to delivering reliability and top-quality beverages across Africa.' To help support the company's environmental goals, the new production line features advanced technology to optimise water and energy use. Additionally, the line required skills training for employees, contributing to the development of a future-ready workforce for both the business and the country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa. ISSUED BY: Motshidisi Mokwena Head: Reputation and Communication Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Tel: +27 83 306 0349 Email: mmokwena@ Keli Fernie Head: Reputation and Communication Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Tel: +27 82 419 8766 Email: kfernie@ Follow us on: LinkedIn: About CCBA: CCBA is the eighth largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola ready-to-drink beverages sold in Africa by volume. With over 18,000 employees in Africa, CCBA group services more than 735,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA group operates in 15 countries, including its six key markets of South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, as well as Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Malawi. Learn more at
