KLM uses Artificial Intelligence to reduce food waste

KLM is working on using Artificial Intelligence to reduce food waste.

KLM is using Artificial Intelligence to determine the number of meals on board to help combat food waste. Not all bookings made result in a passenger on board a KLM aircraft. Depending on the class, between 3% and 5% of booked passengers do not show up (on time) for the flight.

The latest AI model (TRAYS) is the first model specifically developed for KLM’s catering activities. The AI model predicts the number of passengers on board based on historical data. The Meals On Board System (MOBS) receives the expected passenger numbers per flight with separate forecasts for Business, Premium Comfort and Economy classes.

The prediction using the AI model starts 17 days before departure and continues until 20 minutes before the flight departs. This means the most accurate possible number of passengers is predicted for the entire catering process from purchasing to loading, thus preventing a surplus of meals.

Investments in digital technology are a priority for KLM. The application of artificial intelligence contributes enormously to improving our flight operations and making them more sustainable. Combatting food waste is a good example of this, resulting in tens of thousands fewer meals being wasted on our flights each year.

said Marjan Rintel, CEO, KLM.

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A three-month analysis shows that 63% less food is wasted compared to catering for every booked passenger. The largest improvement can be seen on intercontinental KLM flights from Amsterdam Schiphol, where 2.5 fewer meals (1.3 kg) need to be thrown away per flight. On an annual basis, this amounts to a saving of 111,000 kg in meals across all KLM flights that are catered from Schiphol.

We are pleased that we have been able to make a valuable contribution to this important project for KLM. Our goal with Kickstart AI is to accelerate the adoption of AI in the Dutch business community and we look forward to working closely with Dutch companies to make this happen.

said Sander Stomph, CEO en co-founder, Kickstart AI.

KLM is also working on the application of artificial intelligence in other parts of its business operations. For instance, AI is important in making aircraft maintenance smarter. In addition, AI programs are used to simulate predicted bad weather days, making it clear in advance which schedule would be best to allow flights to continue as much as possible. AI also helps customers by giving personalised travel tips after booking a flight.

Featured image by KLM

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