KLM sees sponsoring as a way to build lasting relationships with local, national, and international communities while expressing its social involvement. One of the sponsoring efforts concerns the charity program: KLM AirCares.

KLM AirCares was founded in 1999 based on the proposition that, as a socially responsible enterprise, KLM bears a responsibility to underprivileged children living in the countries to which it flies - countries in which the living conditions leave something to be desired. Since that time, AirCares has been supporting charitable organizations in sustainable projects which it chooses based on the local need. These projects all contribute to achievement of the UN's Millennium Development Goals. The main purpose of this support is to help bring about development which can contribute at a deeper level to improving these children's living conditions.

AirCares projects
The KLM AirCares program comprises quarterly projects that change every three months and three ongoing projects - Doctor2Doctor, Close the Cap and Wings of Support. KLM generates as much publicity as it can for these projects using inflight promotional films, articles in KLM's magazines, and by providing information on their corporate website. It also initiates special campaigns, takes part in fund-raising activities, and often makes an initial contribution. KLM raises funds by offering passengers onboard and online the chance to make donations. KLM offers its frequent flyers the opportunity to donate their Flying Blue miles to an account on behalf of the beneficiary organization so they can order tickets from KLM free of charge.

Filing a KLM AirCares sponsoring request
In October KLM AirCares selects four new quarterly projects which will be supported in the year to come. Applications for KLMAirCares sponsorship should meet the undermentioned criteria. Please make use of the AirCares sponsoring request form completed with extensive information about the project and send these before 30th September to:          

• sponsoring@klm.com or
• KLM (AMS/DR), Sponsoring Department, P.O. Box 7700, 1117 ZL Schiphol Airport.

KLM AirCares Sponsoring Criteria

• KLM AirCares does not sponsor organizations or events associated in any way with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
• KLM AirCares does not sponsor organizations that discriminate according to religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, or political beliefs.
• KLM AirCares does not sponsor political organizations or events.
• KLM AirCares does not sponsor organizations based on a specific religion or whose aim it is to promote a specific religion.
• KLM AirCares does not sponsor any dangerous sports.
• KLM AirCares does not sponsor individual students, students parties, or student travel.
• KLM AirCares does not honor any requests allowing free transport of excess baggage.