KLM reveals environmentally friendly engine water wash

During a working visit to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AAS) last week, the Dutch Minister of Transport, Public Works & Water Management Camiel Eurlings officially took the new Engine Water Wash system developed by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines into operation in one of KLM’s hangars at Schiphol-East.

While being shown around the maintenance facilities of KLM Engineering & Maintenance (E&M) by KLM President & CEO Peter Hartman, the minister positioned the vapor extractor behind an engine awaiting cleaning.

The Engine Water Wash method cleans aircraft engines internally, therefore increasing performance levels and lowering fuel consumption. This significantly lowers the emission of CO2 and other substances from the engine during flight.

The Engine Water Wash method developed by KLM is the first of its kind in the world of aircraft maintenance. After water has been sprayed into the front of the engine several times, KLM catches all the waste water – more than 100 liters – and feeds it off in a responsible manner through the KLM Environmental Center. Vapor released in the process passes through the vapor extractor and clean air is expelled. The Engine Water Wash program can be carried out in the hangar at the same time as a regular technical aircraft check, without requiring any additional ground time for the aircraft.

Peter Hartman is proud of having developed the unique Engine Water Wash method: “In so doing, we have demonstrated that KLM embraces the principle of sustainability. By adopting an innovative approach, we have shown that we are capable of developing an entirely new maintenance method that is better for both people and planet.”