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KLM takes strides in sustainable air transport
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operated its first ever passenger flight powered by sustainable biokerosene. To give an extra impulse to sustainable air transport, KLM also joined hands with North Sea Petroleum and Spring Associates to establish the company SkyEnergy. “KLM is leading the sustainability drive in global aviation. The local auhorities should make good use of this leading position to ensure clean, silent and sustainable air transport in the Netherlands,” said KLM President & CEO Peter Hartman. “This is technically feasible. We have demonstrated that it is possible. Government, industry and society at large must now join hands to ensure that we quickly gain access to a continuous supply of biofuel.”

KLM founded SkyEnergy together with North Sea Petroleum and Spring Associates. The company will be advised by a ‘sustainability board’ chaired by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The development of biokerosene is a quest that KLM is pursuing in accordance with strict financial, technological and ecological criteria. “The food chain may not be jeopardised, and production of biokerosene should not go hand in hand with deforestation or excessive water consumption,” said Mr. Hartman. “The conservation of biodiversity is, of course, also a given. Our cooperation with WWF is truly inspirational.”

Johan van de Gronden, director of WWF The Netherlands: “We want to protect our fragile natural environment against climate change. Clean technology is one way to reduce the impact that humanity has on our climate. The establishment of SkyEnergy is a groundbreaking initiative and KLM’s demonstration flight using biokerosene is a concrete and positive step on the way to a sustainable future.”

Mr. Hartman: “KLM has been involved in biokerosene research since 2007. With the establishment of SkyEnergy, we are accelerating development and hope to achieve a market breakthrough. We are moving forward with great resolve. But we cannot do it alone. We need the support of government, industry and broader society.”

KLM and Air France are jointly pursuing an ambitious Climate Action Plan. The fruits of this endeavour are exemplified by the fact that Air France KLM has been the sector leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability for five consecutive years. Theodore Koumelis - Monday, November 30, 2009