Air France-KLM Group To Receive SAF From TotalEnergies

Paris-based global energy firm TotalEnergies on Monday said that it has signed an agreement with Air France-KLM Group to supply up to 1.5 million tons of more sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to airlines for over a 10-year period, until 2035.

This agreement marks one the largest SAF purchase contracts signed by Air France-KLM to date. In 2022 and 2023, Air France-KLM was the world’s leading SAF user, representing 17% and 16% of total global production respectively.

This contract builds on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 2022 for the supply of 800,000 tons of SAF. By re-evaluating this agreement, the two groups are reaffirming their objective to curb the environmental impact of the air transport sector as quickly as possible by reducing CO2 emissions.

Air France-KLM aims to reduce its CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 30% by 2030 compared with 2019 levels. The Group aims to achieve this goal through a combination of fleet renewal, operational measures such as eco-piloting, and the incorporation of at least 10% of more sustainable aviation fuel on all its flights. These ambitious targets go beyond regulatory obligations.

The SAF supplied to Air France-KLM will be made from waste and residues from the circular economy and will be produced in TotalEnergies’ French and European bio-refineries and refineries by co-processing.

This SAF will be used to fuel flights operated by Air France-KLM’s airlines on departure 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.

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. Both RSB and ISCC+ certification involves a five-step process that includes a combined audit by an independent third-party certification body.

SAF allows for a reduction in CO₂ emissions of at least 75% and up to 90% over the entire fuel life cycle, compared with fossil fuel equivalents.

‘Win-Win Situation’

Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, said that the contribution of SAF both to the energy transition of their customers in the aviation sector and to the industrial transition of its refineries. It therefore represents a real ‘win-win’ for the future of industry and aviation,” he explained.

“For the past 10 years, we have been pioneers in the field, investing in bio-refineries and SAF production facilities in France as well as developing co-processing technologies in our refineries. Building on these industrial successes, we intend to continue this momentum in Europe and worldwide,” Pouyanne added.

Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group, said that securing the volumes of more sustainable aviation fuel needed to decarbonise their airlines 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,” he added.