The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), the main international index evaluating companies on their performance in terms of sustainable development, has once again ranked Air France-KLM air transport leader for the year 2012, for the 8th year running.

Thanks to its performance, the group is also leader of the broader “Transport and leisure” sector for the fourth year running. This distinction ranks the 19 most responsible companies in the world, each in their own sector of activity.

Air France-KLM has been committed for many years to reducing its environmental impact, developing a responsible social policy and contributing to the development of territories where its aircraft take off and land every day. In 2011, the group operated the first commercial flights using sustainable biofuel, developed eco-design and the recycling of products served on board and supported numerous humanitarian programmes.

The DJSI is a benchmark in extra-financial ratings. It selects each year the 19 leading companies from among 2,500 international companies, following an analysis process by the Swiss group SAM (Sustainable Asset Management Indexes GmbH).

The Air France-KLM group has been part of the DJSI since 2005 and is also integrated in the non-financial indexes ASPI, Ethibel Sustainabilty Index (ESI) and FTSE4Good.

Says Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and CEO of Air France: “This recognition of our commitment rewards the efforts of everyone in the group worldwide. To continue to ensure our mission of connecting people in a sustainable way, we must assume our responsibilities and reconcile economic performance, environmental respect and social progress.”

Says Peter Hartman, CEO of KLM: “The number one position of the annual Dow Jones Sustainability Index proves that KLM and Air France are still sector leaders on sustainability. Already for the eighth time in a row. You may understand that I am very proud of this position. It’s positive that others in our branch are also developing themselves in the field of sustainability. This makes it even more challenging to keep the nr.1 position”