The carrier has also urged rivals to join it in encouraging people to care about their carbon footprint under the banner of Fly Responsibly.

In a YouTube video, KLM urges consumers to be mindful of the carbon emissions aviation produces. It says: “We all have to fly now and then, but next time think about flying responsibly.”

It asks: “Do you always have to meet face to face? Could you take the train instead? The video also urges travellers to offset their emissions and pack lighter.

In an open letter to the industry, the carrier urges other airlines to join it in pursuit of a sustainable future for aviation.

KLM chief executive and president Pieter Elbers (pictured above) said: “When we started 100 years ago, our major concern was your safety. Little did we know about the impact we would have on the environment. Today we know aviation comes with another big responsibility – to make sure our children have a planet to explore as well.”

The airline has offered rival carriers its CO2ZERO carbon compensation programme “free of charge and free of KLM branding”. Elbers added: “And in return, we invite others to join us and share their best practices for the benefit of a more sustainable future.”

KLM said it had achieved a 17% reduction in emissions in 2018 compared to 2011. The airline celebrates its 100th anniversary on 7 October.