The Dutch airline KLM has called for increased government investment in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), emphasizing the sector's critical role in the country's economic vitality. In a recent report, KLM endorsed the findings of the Wennink report, which advocates for a national SAF fund to accelerate production and make sustainable fuels more affordable. This initiative aims to support the Netherlands in achieving a 14% SAF blend by 2030, aligning with European efforts to transition to greener aviation fuels.
KLM highlighted its ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions through fleet renewal and increased SAF blending, which cuts lifecycle emissions by at least 65% compared to fossil kerosene. The company has secured a long-term offtake agreement for the Netherlands' first dedicated SAF facility in Delfzijl, but underscores the need for governmental support to reach larger scale and affordability.
Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM, stated that "to maintain its position as a leader in aviation and to meet sustainability targets, the Netherlands must invest rather than impose additional charges. A national SAF fund would enable public and private sectors to collaborate effectively." The proposed fund, potentially financed through existing aviation taxes, would focus on making SAF economically accessible, expediting raw material sourcing, and supporting innovative next-generation SAF technologies. KLM's call underscores the airline's commitment to sustainable growth and the broader importance of aviation in the Netherlands’ economic framework.
