Amstelveen,
08
March
2013
|
14:00
Europe/Amsterdam

KLM Takes Steps in Sustainable Flights

Summary

KLM will operate its first-ever series of biofuel-powered intercontinental flights in partnership with Schiphol Group, Delta Air Lines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This unique step emphasizes KLM's plans to use sustainable biofuel on a regular basis.

“This new steps shows that KLM is a frontrunner in making air transportation more sustainable. Initiatives like these are essential in making our economy more sustainable and create new business opportunities for Dutch companies.”
Henk Kamp, Dutch minister of Economic Affairs
I am delighted to see that cooperation between KLM, Schiphol Group and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is leading to such a unique initiative. Both Amsterdam and New York are active members of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group so KLM’s New York-to-Amsterdam flights are clear proof of our joined work to create a significant global impact on greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks.
Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan
I’m pleased to join hands with our home carrier, KLM, to create a steady demand for biofuels in aviation. We at Schiphol have long recognized our responsibility to minimize our environmental footprint. It is our duty as partners in the aviation industry to spur innovation and to create new solutions which make aviation more efficient and more sustainable.
Jos Nijhuis, CEO Schiphol Group.
We are working with KLM to develop an international market for the use of sustainable biofuel in the aviation industry. The first series of transatlantic biofuel flights is an important step to achieve this goal. It also shows again that KLM is a front runner in the development and use of sustainable biofuel to curb CO2 emissions in aviation.
Johan van der Gronden, CEO of WWF-NL
“I am proud that KLM is once again demonstrating its leading role in developing sustainable biofuel. For eight years in a row, KLM, together with Air France, has been sector leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Alongside this biofuel series we are starting a study to further identify sustainability gains in fuel, weight and CO2 reduction throughout the entire flight process. We are striving to achieve the ‘optimal flight’ together with research institutes, suppliers, airports, and air traffic control. We are combining new and existing technology, processes, and efficiency initiatives to achieve this. Cooperation is a priority!”
KLM managing director Camiel Eurlings
We congratulate KLM for its vision and leadership in committing to the purchase of RSB certified biofuel. RSB has set the world’s highest standard for respecting people and the environment in biofuel production. Thanks to the efforts of KLM and SkyNRG, the world’s first RSB certified supply chain for jet fuel is fully operational. This is a great moment for sustainability.
Peter Ryus, CEO of RSB Services Foundation

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines starts weekly flights from John F. Kennedy Airport to Schiphol using sustainable biofuel. Flight KL642 is operated by a Boeing 777-200 every Thursday.

This is the result of a joint effort and expanded cooperation between KLM, Schiphol Group, Delta Air Lines, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and by contributions of KLM’s partners in the Corporate BioFuel Program. Cooperation is a priority for the future of sustainable biofuel in the aviation industry. By this initiative KLM demonstrates that sustainable biofuel in the airline industry is here to stay.

In addition to the participation in KLM’s BioFuel program, Schiphol Group has invested in the KLM flights using sustainable biofuel. The series of biofuel flights - from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - will start on 8 March with a flight from Schiphol to JFK. The sustainable fuel is obtained from used cooking oil.

In June 2012, KLM’s longest biofuel flight ever travelled from Amsterdam to Rio de Janeiro. The flights to New York are the next step and proofs KLM’s pioneering role in the development of sustainable biofuel.

New Biofuel Partners
KLM has been working with the World Wide Fund for Nature the Netherlands (WWF-NL) since 2007. The cooperation aims to stimulate a more sustainable airline industry by reducing CO2 emissions, increasing fuel efficiency, and investing in innovations such as sustainable biofuel.

Last year KLM launched the world’s first biofuel proposition for contracted corporate accounts. This will allow them to fly on sustainable biofuel for a portion of their total flight volume, or on specific routes, thereby stimulating the further development of biofuels and reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. The number of partners in the programme has more than doubled to fifteen. Since this year it includes the City of Amsterdam, Loyens & Loeff, PGGM, FMO, Delta Air Lines, Siemens, TomTom and CBRE Global Investors. They follow initial customers such as Ahold, Accenture, DSM, Heineken, Nike, Philips and Schiphol Group who have been supporting KLM’s BioFuel programme since June of 2012.

Sustainable Biofuel
KLM’s biofuel is supplied by SkyNRG, a company which KLM founded 2009 together with ARGOS (North Sea Petroleum) and Spring Associates. SkyNRG is now the world’s market leader for sustainable kerosene, supplying more than fifteen carriers worldwide and the operating partner in the KLM’s BioFuel program. For the JFK International Airport to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport route, SkyNRG is supported by its longstanding US Partner EPIC Aviation LLC to distribute the fuel.

For KLM biofuel is only an option if it does not have a negative impact on biodiversity, local development and/or the local food supply. As of March 2013, SkyNRG is the first fully certified renewable jet fuel supply chain by RSB (Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels).

Boilerplate

About KLM
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded in 1919, making it the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. In 2004, Air France and KLM merged to form AIR FRANCE KLM. The merger produced the strongest European airline group based on two powerful brands and hubs – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Retaining its own identity, the group focuses on three core businesses: passenger transport, cargo and aircraft maintenance.

In the Netherlands, KLM comprises the core of the KLM Group, which further includes KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. KLM serves all its destinations using a modern fleet and employs over 33,000 people around the world. KLM is a leader in the airline industry, offering reliable operations and customer-oriented products resulting from its policy of enthusiasm and sustainable innovation.

KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, offering customers an extensive worldwide network. The KLM network connects the Netherlands to every important economic region in the world and, as such, serves as a powerful driver for the economy.

About SkyTeam
SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive worldwide network offering more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers access to over 490 lounges worldwide.

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