Air France KLM purchases more than 1m tons of SAF

The Air France KLM Group has continued its sustainability drive with a deal to purchase more than 1m tons tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

In total, the airline group will purchase 1.6m tons of SAF, with Neste supplying 1m tons between 2023 and 2030 and DG Fuels supplying 600,000 tons between 2027 and 2036.

Air France KLM said the SAF would avoid 4.7m tons of emissions of CO2 on full lifecycle basis compared to fossil fuels.

The company also hopes that the long-term purchase will also help drive down overall SAF prices, which are currently three-four times higher than conventional kerosene.

“By increasing use and demand, Air France-KLM aims to play its part in increasing the scale of commercial SAF production for wider adoption by 2030,” the group explained.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) has been one of the main drivers for the takeup of SAF within the group.

The division has announced several partnerships with customers and recently announced that those using its booking portal will now be able to adjust the level of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) used for each shipment.

AFKLMP launched its SAF programme in 2020 and has so far welcomed 40 partners.