KLM, Transavia and partners drive eco-friendly business travel solutions

16 Jun

Written By Cat

KLM and Transavia have partnered with Elysian Aircraft and Conscious Aerospace to advance sustainable aviation through innovative battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, marking a significant step toward greener business travel. These collaborations, focused on developing Elysian’s 90-passenger E9X electric aircraft and Conscious Aerospace’s hydrogen-powered Dash 8-300, aim to decarbonise aviation by integrating airline expertise into cutting-edge propulsion systems.

For UK-based business travellers, who frequently rely on regional and short-haul flights, these initiatives promise more sustainable travel options, aligning with corporate environmental goals while maintaining operational efficiency on key routes like Amsterdam to London.

Global Travel Management’s customers will find this news particularly relevant as it signals the potential for cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective regional flights, which could enhance their business travel experience while supporting their companies’ sustainability commitments. The partnership with Elysian involves a series of workshops uniting experts in aircraft design, maintenance, network planning, and revenue management to refine the E9X, a battery-electric aircraft capable of carrying 90 passengers over 800 kilometres. This collaboration, supported by industry leaders like KLM and Transavia, explores technological, operational, and commercial requirements to ensure the aircraft meets real-world demands.

Daniel Rosen Jacobson, Co-CEO of Elysian, said: “It’s impossible to build an aircraft that truly breaks from industry conventions without intensive collaboration with operators and airports.” He added: “It’s eye-opening that we can often operate more sustainably and cost-effectively than trains, and that busy routes like Amsterdam–London prove entirely feasible with electric flight.”

Similarly, the collaboration with Conscious Aerospace focuses on hydrogen fuel cell propulsion for the Dash 8-300 regional aircraft, with KLM and Transavia providing operational insights to optimise design and route networks. Announced at the Paris Air Show in June 2025, this partnership, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, aims to refine cost estimates and identify viable applications for hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Erik Geertsema, CEO of Conscious Aerospace, said: “The development and application of innovative technology to decarbonize aviation needs international and national cooperation. I am very pleased that KLM and Transavia join our Program providing valuable operator insights for the development of our CA propulsion system.”

KLM’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its research into electric, hydrogen and hybrid fuel technologies, with Jolanda Stevens, Zero Emission Aviation Program Manager at KLM, playing a key role on Elysian’s advisory board since April 2024. She noted: “By gaining a deeper understanding of the aircraft’s design and operations, we can contribute our expertise to shape the final product. Moreover, this collaboration enables us to envision how our sector can transform.” She also highlighted the importance of pilot feedback, stating: “Pilots understand better than anyone what works and doesn’t work in an aircraft. For instance, having two different energy sources onboard requires an entirely new approach to energy management for the crew. This must be incorporated into the design.”

Transavia’s involvement underscores its dedication to innovation, with Oliver Newton, Lead Sustainability & Innovation at Transavia, stating: “Electrification represents a promising direction we firmly believe in. Through this collaboration, we can take concrete steps toward sustainable air transport.” Marloes van Laake, COO of Transavia, echoed this sentiment regarding the hydrogen initiative: “At Transavia, we believe in a cleaner, quieter and more sustainable aviation industry. We are proud to join Conscious Aerospace’s programme, working together to explore and gain insights into new aircraft engine technologies.”

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented:

“These pioneering collaborations between KLM, Transavia, Elysian, and Conscious Aerospace are set to transform business travel for our UK clients, offering greener, more efficient options for regional routes that align with their sustainability objectives without compromising on reliability or convenience.”

The partnerships also open possibilities for new routes to destinations with lower passenger demand, enhancing flexibility for business travellers. In the coming months, both projects will focus on route analyses, passenger propositions, and building sustainable aviation ecosystems, with Elysian aiming to redefine the passenger experience.

Daniel Rosen Jacobson added: “We’re not just aiming for emission-free flying - we want to shape the passenger experience of the 21st century.”

These initiatives align with broader industry trends, as KLM and Transavia, part of the Air France-KLM Group, also pursue fleet renewal and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to reduce emissions. The E9X’s efficiency rivals land-based electric transport, making it a viable alternative for short-haul flights, while the hydrogen-powered Dash 8-300 could serve regional routes with lower environmental impact. For UK business travellers, these advancements mean access to innovative, eco-friendly travel solutions that support both corporate goals and global sustainability efforts.