Jolanda is shaping the future of aviation

Taking to the Skies Without Kerosene: How KLM Is Shaping the Future

After 25 years in the cockpit, Jolanda Stevens transitioned to our ground organization. As Program Manager Zero Emission Aviation, she leads one of KLM’s ten strategic innovation programs. Her mission: to prepare the aviation industry and infrastructure for flying on hydrogen and electricity.

Pioneering

“At Zero Emission Aviation, we develop and implement strategies for new technologies,” Jolanda explains. “For example, we’re looking at battery-electric flight and flying on hydrogen.” The program is fully focused on the future, not on current operations. A true innovation program, in other words. Jolanda and her team work closely with companies developing these groundbreaking propulsion systems: “We try to understand what possibilities exist, which technologies will make it to the finish line, and with whom we can collaborate.”

From Big to Small
Hydrogen and electric aviation look very different from what you’re used to. In addition to established names like Airbus (actively working with hydrogen technology), there are now several small tech firms building aircraft. Jolanda: “They know a lot about technology, but sometimes less about aviation. We share our experience with them: how regulations work, how time-consuming certification is, and how to consider things like maintenance, costs, and customer experience. KLM really plays an advisory role here. Moreover, our 105-year-old brand has a tremendous track record. If you’re a young company in need of funding, a collaboration with KLM strengthens your story. Together, we foster innovation.”

A Complex Puzzle

There are far more challenges than just technological ones, says Jolanda. “Infrastructure, costs, unpredictable energy prices, grid capacity, passenger acceptance, political support, regulations, training staff—it all plays a role. And all stakeholders need to have their piece of the puzzle ready at the same time in the future.” KLM plays a connecting role in this complex ecosystem: “We have a huge lobbying function. As an operator, we can bring parties together: from governments and airports to aircraft manufacturers and energy suppliers. I sit at the table with these people every day.”

Reward for Effort

The Zero Emission Aviation program is working towards concrete deliverables. “For example, in 2026, we’re organizing a demonstration flight on liquid hydrogen together with ZeroAvia. That is, of course, a great milestone, but it’s also a learning moment. We’ll experience how to refuel such an aircraft, what risks are involved, how emergency services should respond, and how to train ground staff. This makes it tangible and gets the ball rolling—not just for us, but for everyone involved.”

Belief in the Future

Despite all the complexity, Jolanda is optimistic.

For Jolanda, this is above all a story of groundbreaking innovation. “Flying on hydrogen? It seemed unthinkable, and now we’re simply going to do it. It reminds me of the Wright brothers, who completed the first flight in 1907. They did something that had never been done before and left their mark on history.”

“The secret lies in collaboration,” says Jolanda. “From governments to aircraft builders, from energy suppliers to airports—we’re forging a coalition with the frontrunners. And slowly but surely, we’re bringing more and more pioneers along on this adventure.”