A year ago, Royal Dutch Shell CEO Ben van Beurden delivered the first Elsevier Economics Lecture on the need for an energy transition. Yesterday, KLM President and CEO Pieter Elbers took an in-depth look at the global drive for sustainability in the air transport sector. He presented his case for the broader value of air transport and how innovation can keep flight fit for the future.
Five functions of air transport
In line with KLM’s hundredth anniversary, Elbers spoke about the five functions of air transport and the industry’s added value over time. In the beginning, of course, flight was a new exploration. It was also a catalyst for confirming peace and security by connecting countries and states. Air transport also serves as a driver for prosperity, since connecting economies promotes global trade. Over the decades, flight has developed from a privilege for the “happy few” into a means of travel for the “happy many”, contributing to the overall sense of wellbeing. Finally, air transport serves an important purpose as an innovator.