KLM's Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Overview

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, one of the oldest and most renowned airlines in the world, has been at the forefront of sustainable aviation initiatives. A significant part of their sustainability strategy focuses on the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). SAFs are non-fossil-based fuels derived from renewable sources that can reduce the carbon footprint of aviation significantly compared to traditional jet fuels.

Actions Taken by KLM

  1. Partnerships and Collaborations:
    • KLM has partnered with various stakeholders to develop and scale the use of SAF. This includes collaborations with fuel producers, research institutions, and governmental bodies.
    • One of the most notable partnerships is with SkyNRG, a pioneer in the field of sustainable aviation fuel. Together, they have worked on projects to produce and implement SAF on a larger scale.
  2. SAF Usage:
    • KLM has been using SAF on a number of its flights since 2011. This includes both commercial flights and special demonstration flights to showcase the feasibility and benefits of SAF.
    • The airline has committed to using a certain percentage of SAF in its fuel mix, and they have been steadily increasing this amount.
  3. Investment in Production Facilities:
    • KLM has invested in the construction of SAF production facilities. For instance, they are involved in building Europe’s first dedicated SAF plant in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, which is expected to produce 100,000 tonnes of SAF annually starting from 2022.
    • This facility will use waste and residue streams, such as used cooking oil and animal fat, to produce SAF.
  4. Policy Advocacy:
    • KLM advocates for policies that support the development and adoption of SAF. This includes engaging with policymakers to create favorable regulations and incentives for the production and use of SAF.

Results and Impact

  1. Reduction in CO2 Emissions:
    • SAF can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. KLM’s use of SAF has resulted in significant reductions in their overall carbon emissions.
    • In 2019, KLM operated the world’s first commercial flight using synthetic kerosene, a type of SAF, from Amsterdam to Madrid. This flight alone reduced CO2 emissions by 85%.
  2. Flight Demonstrations and Scaling:
    • The number of flights using SAF has steadily increased. For example, KLM operated around 1,500 SAF-powered flights between Los Angeles and Amsterdam between 2016 and 2019.
    • The airline's initiatives have demonstrated the technical feasibility and commercial viability of SAF, encouraging more airlines and stakeholders to invest in this technology.
  3. Economic and Environmental Benefits:
    • The economic benefits include the creation of jobs in the green energy sector and the development of a new market for sustainable fuels.
    • By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, KLM helps to stabilize fuel prices and reduce the volatility associated with oil markets.

Statistical Information and Economic Benefits

  1. SAF Production and Usage:
    • As of 2022, KLM’s SAF initiatives have resulted in the use of over 1.5 million liters of sustainable fuel.
    • The Delfzijl plant, once operational, is expected to meet 2% of KLM’s total fuel demand with SAF.
  2. Economic Impact:
    • The construction and operation of the SAF plant in Delfzijl have created approximately 100 direct jobs and 300 indirect jobs in the region.
    • The development of SAF is expected to contribute significantly to the Dutch economy, with projections suggesting a market value of billions of euros by 2030.
  3. Emissions Reductions:
    • The transition to SAF has already led to a reduction of tens of thousands of tonnes of CO2 annually.
    • KLM aims to further scale up the use of SAF to achieve its goal of a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.

Conclusion

KLM’s commitment to Sustainable Aviation Fuels represents a pivotal shift in the aviation industry towards more sustainable practices. By investing in SAF, KLM not only reduces its carbon footprint but also sets a precedent for other airlines. The economic benefits, combined with the significant environmental impact, underscore the importance of such initiatives in achieving global sustainability goals.