Violated the law and misled customers: KLM airline caught in environmental scandal

Dutch airline KLM misled customers about its environmentally friendly jet fuel. According to the Amsterdam District Court, the company violated the law by placing misleading advertising in 15 of 19 environmental statements claiming that KLM was committed to "more sustainable" development.

The court found the company's advertisement at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, which depicts a child on a swing against the backdrop of sky, mountains and water, too vague. It is noted that KLM's call to "join us in creating a more sustainable future" does not explain how flying with this airline is associated with any environmental benefits, Yahoo News reported.

In addition, the court recognized the company's environmental policy as vital but not sufficiently developed. In particular, the court called attempts to compensate for emissions by planting new trees as "a minor measure to reduce negative environmental aspects", which creates a false impression of environmental safety of flights.

At the same time, 4 statements that were also criticised were found to be fair to use. However, KLM should have communicated its ambitions to reduce emissions "honestly and concretely".

Marjan Rozemeijer, a spokeswoman for KLM, said that they are pleased with the court's ruling and will not use the 19 messages to communicate with customers and partners for some time.

"It is good that the court has given us more clarity on what is possible and how we can continue to communicate our approach and activities in a transparent and honest manner," she said.

Earlier, TravelWise reported that passengers filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Alaska Airlines and Boeing.