Air France and KLM have activated a social upliftment project which benefits communities in South Africa.
The airlines direct discarded items from passenger inflight amenity kits to local people. These items can thus improve the livelihoods of people in need.
AIR FRANCE KLM SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA
By collecting unused and left-behind amenity kit items from scheduled flights arriving in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the airlines intend to make a meaningful impact in South Africa.
After each flight unused passenger amenity kits containing items such as eye masks, toothbrushes, lip balm, face cream and pouches are gathered from Air France and KLM aircraft.
Instead of these items ending up in landfill sites, they are now making a difference to local people, through community-focused projects.
“This initiative is a great example of what we call ‘wealth from waste’ — turning simple, often discarded items into something practical, valuable and empowering for local communities. It’s also a wonderful way to extend the life of our products while giving back to the people who welcome us into their country every day,” Air France – KLM Country Manager for Southern Africa, Wilson Tauro said.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
This is just another way in which the airline group is turning sustainable thinking into action while strengthening ties with South African communities.
The airlines believe that this initiative reflects Air France-KLM’s commitment to the circular economy, ensuring that materials are reused, repurposed and redirected toward initiatives that uplift and empower.
“At Air France – KLM, sustainability is not just a goal — it’s a mindset that influences every part of our operation,” Tauro said.
Last year Air France introduced inflight catering with less packaging and therefore less weight and waste.
In partnership with TotalEnergies, the airline is also making significant strides in the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
According Media Update, this community initiative makes a difference to local beneficiaries through various ways, including:
Eye Masks
Elastic bands are repurposed into vibrant scrunchies and donated to young girls in schools.
Eye masks are being trialled as materials for reusable sanitary pads, facilitating menstrual health.
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
They are distributed to schools in township areas, fostering hygiene practices among young learners.
Lip Balm and Creams
These are given to schoolchildren to help protect their skin, especially during the winter months.
Air France Amenity Kit Pouches
These are refilled with stationery and given to learners as repurposed pencil cases.
KLM Business Class Pouches
These durable and stylish bags are transformed into shopping bags.
