Air France-KLM, Brussels Airlines Facing EU ‘Greenwashing’ Probe

The EU is understood to be investigating 20 airlines over ‘greenwashing’, or potentially misleading the public and the market over the true extent of their climate-friendly practices and emissions reduction programmes.

The Reuters news agency named Brussels Airlines, Air France and KLM has being three of the 20; with Air France confirming the probe.

The airline said it had received a letter from the European Commission and is reviewing it; while Lufthansa said it deals with all complaints and is examining this one “carefully”. Reuters said KLM had also, separately, confirmed receipt of a letter from the EU.

On the back of Air France-KLM’s first quarter financial results presentation, group chief executive Benjamin Smith, said: “Our sustainability roadmap is also well on track, with continued next generation aircraft deliveries and SAF sourcing initiatives.”