KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has said it will operate its first series of bio-fuel powered intercontinental flights in partnership with Schiphol Group, Delta Air Lines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
According to a statement by the airline office in Nigeria, the development emphasises KLM’s plans to use sustainable bio-fuel on a regular basis.
The statement quoted the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Mr. Henk Kamp, as saying, “This new step shows that KLM is a frontrunner in making air transportation more sustainable. Initiatives like this are essential in making our economy more sustainable and creating new business opportunities for Dutch companies.”
He also said, “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.”
It also quoted Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan as saying, “I’m pleased to join hands with our home carrier, KLM, to create a steady demand for bio-fuels in aviation. We at Schiphol have long recognised our responsibility to minimise 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.”
It also quoted the Chief Executive Officer, Schiphol Group, Mr. Jos Nijhuis, as saying, “We are working with KLM to develop an international market for the use of sustainable bio-fuel in the aviation industry. The first series of transatlantic bio-fuel flights is an important step to achieve this goal.”
The Chief Executive Officer, WWF-NL , Mr. Johan van der Gronden, said, “I am proud that KLM is once again demonstrating its leading role in developing sustainable bio-fuel.
“For eight years in a row, KLM, together with Air France, has been sector leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Alongside this bio-fuel series, we are starting a study to further identify sustainability gains in fuel, weight and CO2 reduction throughout the entire flight process.”