In a significant move towards sustainable air travel, TotalEnergies and Air France-KLM have inked a deal for the supply of up to 1.5 million tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over a 10-year period ending in 2035.
This agreement represents one of the largest SAF purchase contracts in Air France-KLM’s history, building upon their position as the world’s leading SAF user in 2022 and 2023.
The new contract expands on a previous memorandum of understanding signed in 2022, which initially covered 800,000 tonnes of SAF.
This enhancement underscores both companies’ commitment to rapidly reducing the environmental impact of air transport by cutting CO2 emissions.
Air France-KLM has set an ambitious target to reduce its CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 30 per cent by 2030, compared to 2019 levels.
The airline group plans to achieve this through a multi-faceted approach:
- Fleet renewal
- Operational measures like eco-piloting
- Incorporating at least 10 per cent SAF on all flights
The SAF supplied under this agreement will be produced from waste and residues sourced from the circular economy.
TotalEnergies will manufacture the fuel at its French and European biorefineries and refineries using coprocessing techniques.
Air France-KLM has implemented a strict sourcing policy, ensuring that only second-generation SAF is purchased.
This type of SAF does not compete with global food production and is certified for sustainability by RSB or ISCC+.
SAF offers significant environmental benefits, reducing CO2 emissions by 75 per cent to 90 per cent over its entire life cycle compared to conventional fossil fuels.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasised the dual benefit of SAF, stating: “SAF contributes both to the energy transition of our customers in the aviation sector and to the industrial transition of our refineries.”
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group, highlighted the importance of securing SAF volumes for decarbonisation efforts, adding that: “A solid SAF sector capable of meeting our industry’s needs is a key factor in Europe’s sovereignty and energy independence.”
This agreement builds on a decade-long collaboration between TotalEnergies and Air France-KLM in testing and incorporating SAF.
TotalEnergies is investing heavily in SAF production across France and Europe, with major projects underway in Grandpuits, Normandy, and La Mède.
As the aviation industry continues its journey towards sustainability, this landmark agreement between TotalEnergies and Air France-KLM marks a significant step forward in the widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.
