Air France-KLM has enhanced its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) offtake agreement with TotalEnergies.
This is a wise move given that SAF usage requirements come into place in Europe from January 2025 – and that SAF production is nowhere near where it needs to be.
The agreement will enable more SAF to be produced for Air France and KLM. In fact, it will supply up to 1.5 million tons of more sustainable aviation fuel over a 10-year period.
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
This contract builds on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 for the supply of 800,000 tons of SAF.
By re-evaluating the agreement, the two parties are reaffirming their objective to curb the environmental impact of the air transport sector as quickly as possible by reducing CO2 emissions.
“Securing the volumes of more sustainable aviation fuel needed to decarbonize our activity is a major challenge. This agreement with TotalEnergies is a further step in this direction, and a testament to our long-standing support for the development of SAF production in France and Europe. A solid SAF sector capable of meeting our industry’s needs is a key factor in Europe’ sovereignty and energy independence,” said Benjamin Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Air France-KLM Group.
ALSO READ: Sustainable aviation fuel mandates and the challenges…
AIR FRANCE-KLM SAF GOAL
By 2030, Air France-KLM aims to reduce its CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 30% compared with 2019 levels.
As stated in a press release, these ambitious targets go beyond regulatory obligations.
The Group aims to achieve this goal through a combination of measures. These include fleet renewal, operational measures such as eco-piloting, and the use of at least 10% of sustainable aviation fuel on all flights.
COLLABORATING WITH TOTAL ENERGIES
The SAF supplied to Air France-KLM will be made from waste and residues from the circular economy.
It will be produced in TotalEnergies’ French and European biorefineries and refineries by coprocessing.
“SAF contributes both to the energy transition of our customers in the aviation sector and to the industrial transition of our refineries. It therefore represents a real ‘win-win’ for the future of industry and aviation”, said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.
ALSO READ: First EU SAF Clearing House now open
USING SAF IN EUROPE
This SAF will be used for Air France-KLM’s flights departing from France, the Netherlands, and other European countries.
The development of SAF is at the heart of TotalEnergies‘ transition strategy to meet demand from the aviation sector.
“For the past 10 years, we have been pioneers in the field, investing in biorefineries and SAF production facilities in France as well as developing coprocessing technologies in our refineries. Building on these industrial successes, we intend to continue this momentum in Europe and worldwide.” Pouyanné said.
Air France-KLM has implemented a strict sourcing policy, purchasing only second-generation SAF that does not compete with global food production, and that is RSB or ISCC+ certified for its sustainability.
SAF allows for a reduction in CO₂ emissions of at least 75% and up to 90% over the entire fuel life cycle. This is compared with fossil fuel equivalents.
