KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has placed an order for 50 new more environmentally friendly Airbus A350s. The Air France-KLM Group is also investing in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through DG Fuels.
On Thursday (November 23, 2023), Air France-KLM announced as part of the process to convert 64 percent of their fleet to the more sustainable aviation of the future by 2028, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has placed an order for 50 new, more environmentally friendly Airbus A350s. The company is also now investing in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with DG Fuels.
In Thursday’s announcement, KLM’s representative responsible for sustainability in Northern Europe, Maria Hagelberg, said,
“The aviation industry is in the process of a comprehensive restructuring, which is to reduce the climate impact from flying. Right now, there is a very large focus on SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), which plays an important role in the transition process, but it cannot stand alone. As an industry, we have to play on all relevant strings. That is why at KLM we invest in both new fuel-efficient aircraft and new fuel types that emit less CO2, but we also test electric aircraft that can be used on shorter distances, and we train our pilots to fly with the least possible climate impact.
“There is no one universal solution that can bring the industry to its destination on the climate front. Therefore, it is important that both decision-makers and actors think broadly and long-term.
“Investments in new technologies and new fuel types are alpha and omega if we are to achieve our climate goals and lead the development towards a sustainable aviation industry. We think long-term and have secured the option to buy up to 75,000 tonnes of SAF per year from 2029.”
The new A350s will replace KLM’s existing long-haul fleet and is an important step towards achieving the company’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30 percent per passenger kilometer by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. The new aircraft will deliver a 25 percent fuel-burn reduction compared to the airplanes they replace thanks to light-weight construction, including 53 percent composites and 14 percent titanium.
As previously mentioned, Air France-KLM Group has made their first financial investment in SAF production, with a US $4.7 million in SAF producer DG Fuels. During 2022, the Group was the world’s largest purchaser of SAF, and used 17 percent of the sustainable fuel to power global operations, while in comparison consuming only 3.0 percent of the world’s total conventional jet fuel.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has been an aviation industry pioneer for over a century. The carrier strives to become the leading European airline in efficiency, sustainability, and creating memorable guest experiences. The KLM route network connects passengers from 14 gateways across Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to the world’s most popular destinations. KLM is part of the Air France-KLM Group, and also a member of the global SkyTeam Alliance.
Source: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines/Mynewsdesk