KLM Reduces Food Waste through AI Implemen­tation

KLM has successfully utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to decrease food waste aboard its aircraft. Thanks to AI programs, the company can more accurately predict how many passengers will actually participate in a flight, allowing for a more efficient calculation of the required number of meals. This has led to a reduction of up to 63 percent in food waste for KLM, amounting to over 100,000 kilograms of saved meals annually.

The incorporation of artificial intelligence into KLM's catering operations specifically focuses on determining the correct number of meals on board to mitigate waste. A significant percentage of booked passengers do not show up for their flight, ranging between 3 and 5 percent, depending on the class.

TRAYS

The latest AI model, named TRAYS, is the first model developed specifically for KLM's catering operations. TRAYS utilizes historical data to predict the number of passengers on board. The Meals On Board System (MOBS) receives these predictions for individual classes (Business, Premium Comfort, and Economy) and applies them throughout the catering process, from procurement to loading, to prevent meal surpluses.

63 Percent Reduction in Food Waste

The implementation of TRAYS has yielded impressive results, with a 63 percent reduction in food waste compared to catering for each booked passenger count. This improvement is particularly noteworthy on intercontinental flights from Schiphol, where an average of 2.5 fewer meals per flight are discarded. On an annual basis, this translates to a saving of 111,000 kilograms of meals across all KLM flights departing from Schiphol.

The TRAYS model was launched late last year as part of Kickstart AI, an initiative involving prominent companies such as KLM, bol.com, Ahold Delhaize, NS, and ING collaborating on AI solution development.

In addition to reducing food waste, KLM also applies artificial intelligence to other areas of its operations, such as aircraft maintenance and predicting inclement weather. These efforts demonstrate how AI plays a crucial role in optimizing operational processes and enhancing overall customer experience.

Nieuws.klm.com