KLM is wasting less food on board aircraft thanks to artificial intelligence. AI programs allow the company to better predict how many engers who have booked will actually board a flight. This allows the exact number of meals required to be calculated and KLM can reduce food waste by up to 63% based on the expected number of engers per flight. On an annual basis, this equates to a savings of over 100.000 kg of meals.
“Investments in digital technology are a priority for KLM. The application of artificial intelligence contributes enormously to improving our operations and making them more sustainable. Combating food waste is a good example of this, resulting in tens of thousands of fewer meals wasted on our flights each year”, comments Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM
KLM is working on using artificial intelligence to determine the number of meals on board to help combat food waste. Not all bookings made result in a enger on board a KLM aircraft. Depending on the class, between 3% and 5% of booked engers do not show up (on time) for their flight.
The latest AI model (TRAYS) is the first model developed specifically for KLM's catering activities and predicts the number of engers on board based on historical data. The Inflight Dining System (MOBS) receives the expected number of engers per flight with separate forecasts for Business, Comfort and Economy classes. Forecasting using the AI model starts 17 days before departure and continues up to 20 minutes before the flight. This means that the most accurate number of engers possible is predicted for the entire catering process, from purchase to loading, thus avoiding over-catering.
The TRAYS AI model was launched late last year by Kickstart AI. The initiative brought together talent from leading companies, including KLM, bol, Ahold Delhaize, NS and ING, to work on its development.
“We are pleased to have been able to make a valuable contribution to this important KLM project. Our goal with Kickstart AI is to accelerate the adaptation of AI to the Dutch business community and we look forward to working closely with Dutch companies to make this happen,” adds Sander Stomph, CEO and co-founder of Kickstart AI.
A three-month analysis shows that 63% less food is wasted compared to catering for each enger booked. The biggest improvement can be seen on KLM's intercontinental flights from Schiphol, where 2,5 fewer meals (1,3 kg) need to be thrown away per flight. On an annual basis, this equates to a saving of 111.000 kg in meals on all KLM flights that are fueled from Schiphol.
KLM is also working on applying artificial intelligence to other parts of its business operations. For example, AI is important for making aircraft maintenance smarter. Additionally, AI programs are used to simulate predicted bad weather days, making it clear in advance what the best schedule would be to allow flights to continue on schedule as much as possible. AI also helps customers by providing personalized travel tips after booking a flight.]
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Street: KLM
