By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In a significant step forward for environmentally conscious air travel, Air France has successfully completed its first-ever sustainable demonstration flight in the region, selecting Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) as its destination. The flight, which arrived on Saturday, October 25th, operated as a key component of the SkyTeam Aviation Challenge, a global initiative designed to accelerate the airline industry’s transition toward a more responsible future through innovation and collaboration.
The operation was meticulously planned as a real-world laboratory, tracking and implementing a suite of sustainability measures from its departure in Paris to its arrival in San José. The primary goal was to generate crucial data on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and pioneering responsible waste management throughout every phase of the journey. This valuable information will be shared across the SkyTeam alliance to foster industry-wide environmental progress.
To understand the legal and regulatory framework crucial for advancing this green-tech sector, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his analysis on the path forward.
The transition to sustainable aviation is not merely an environmental goal; it’s a critical economic strategy for a nation branded on eco-leadership. Attracting investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and carbon-neutral infrastructure requires a robust, predictable legal framework. This means clear tax incentives, streamlined regulations for green-tech importation, and public-private partnership models that de-risk innovation. Without legal certainty, capital will remain on the sidelines, and Costa Rica risks losing its competitive edge in the global green economy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight underscores a critical reality: the path to greener skies is paved not just with technological innovation, but with the clear, stable legal groundwork that invites investment and secures our nation’s competitive edge. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this vital intersection of law, economics, and environmental stewardship.
The selection of Costa Rica was a deliberate acknowledgment of the nation’s international reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship. Officials highlighted the country’s nearly complete reliance on a renewable energy matrix and its forward-thinking environmental policies as key factors in the decision. The flight underscores a shared commitment to a greener future for global travel.
It is an honor for Air France–KLM to carry out this demonstration flight in Costa Rica, a country that shares our vision of sustainability and commitment to the future of the planet.
Maristella Rodríguez, Commercial Manager of Air France–KLM for Costa Rica and Central America
Ms. Rodríguez emphasized the collaborative spirit of the project. “This project reflects our effort to transform aviation through innovation and collaboration. From Costa Rica and Central America, we want to inspire the rest of the industry to continue advancing toward more sustainable and responsible aviation,” she added.
Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, celebrated the event as a validation of the country’s long-term development strategy. He noted that the choice to land this pioneering flight in Costa Rica serves as powerful international recognition of the nation’s unique tourism model.
It recognizes the tourism model we have built a sustainable, always innovative tourism that protects our biodiversity and generates social progress in our communities.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
During the flight, Air France implemented a wide array of sustainable practices. These included a significant reduction in single-use materials, a comprehensive waste management program that successfully collected 13.3 kilograms of recyclable materials, and the exclusive use of all-electric ground equipment upon landing at SJO. Furthermore, the airline conducted awareness campaigns to educate passengers on responsible travel practices at both Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and Juan Santamaría Airport.
Airport operator AERIS Holding Costa Rica expressed its support for the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the airport’s operational and environmental goals. The strategic location of SJO positions it as a vital hub connecting Europe and Latin America, making it an ideal partner for such forward-looking projects.
The Airport is proud to be part of initiatives that promote more sustainable aviation.
Juan Belliard, Director of Operations of AERIS Holding Costa Rica
The data and insights gathered from this flight will serve as a critical benchmark for the SkyTeam alliance. The results are expected to help optimize operations, further reduce the industry’s carbon footprint, and accelerate the widespread adoption of green technologies, solidifying Costa Rica’s role as a key partner in the future of sustainable aviation.
For further information, visit airfranceklm.com
About Air France-KLM:
The Air France-KLM Group is a major global player in air transport. As a leading airline group in terms of international traffic on departure from Europe, it offers its customers access to a network covering over 250 destinations thanks to Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Transavia. The group is committed to a sustainable future, actively working on decarbonization and the transition to more environmentally friendly aviation.
For further information, visit skyteam.com
About SkyTeam:
SkyTeam is a global airline alliance, with member airlines working together to provide seamless travel on an extensive global network. The alliance is dedicated to powering a safer and more responsible journey for its customers. Through initiatives like the Aviation Challenge, SkyTeam fosters competition and collaboration among its members to find and implement innovative sustainability solutions in aviation.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS Holding Costa Rica:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for the operation, administration, and maintenance of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main air terminal. AERIS is committed to providing a high-quality, safe, and efficient airport experience while promoting sustainable practices and contributing to the country’s economic and social development.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), or Costa Rican Tourism Institute, is the government entity responsible for promoting and regulating the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model by ensuring a high-quality visitor experience that is in harmony with nature and local communities, thereby driving the nation’s progress.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal integrity and excellence. With a deep history of representing a diverse clientele, the firm embraces a forward-thinking approach, consistently spearheading innovation within the legal field. Its fundamental belief in social progress is reflected in a dedicated effort to democratize legal knowledge, empowering citizens and thereby strengthening the foundation of an informed and capable society.
