"AMSTERDAM/LONDON - Environmental groups are suing the Dutch subsidiary of Air France KLM (AIRF.PA) over an advertising campaign they allege breaches European consumer law by misleading the public over how sustainable its flights are.

Dutch campaigners Fossielvrij NL, supported by environmental law charity ClientEarth and Reclame Fossielvrij, on Wednesday filed the first lawsuit alleging greenwashing in the airline industry in the District Court of Amsterdam.

KLM, which says it has invested millions of euros in a more sustainable fleet and is working towards the industry goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, met with the groups before the suit was filed, but failed to find a solution.

"It would certainly not be in our interests to misinform our customers. It’s our responsibility to make future travel as sustainable as possible," the airline said in a statement sent to Reuters. "We believe that our communications comply with the applicable legislation and regulations.""

Anthony Deutsch, Kirstin Ridley, and Simon Jessop report for Reuters July 6, 2022. [2]