The Air France-KLM group and sea chefs Cruises have signed an agreement, a further step to develop the sustainable fuel industry.
The company sea chefs Cruises Ltd. has joined forces with Air France-KLM Group, taking an active role in reducing CO₂ emissions, after signing an agreement to invest in the group’s Corporate SAF Program (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), contributing to the ecological transition of air transport.
At the event held in Cyprus for the signing of this agreement, with the presence of the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Mr. Yiannis Karousos and the Deputy Minister of Shipping Mr. Vassilis Dimitriadis representing the Cypriot Government, as well as other officials and business representatives, Mr. Yiannis Pantazopoulos, Regional Manager Air France-KLM said: "The production of sustainable aviation fuels is very important in achieving the CO₂ reduction targets globally. In this effort of our group to make our activities more sustainable for the environment, we are not alone, and companies like sea chefs Cruises Ltd. profess this. This agreement is the first signed in Cyprus and among the first that are signed in Europe, and a good example for the corporate customers of the airlines all over the world. Through this agreement we will be able to reach our goals faster and to promote the production and availability of sustainable aviation fuels on a larger scale, with a more competitive cost compared to fossil fuels. I would like to once again warmly thank sea chefs Cruises and Managing Director David George Tidmarsh for their contribution".
"The importance of business ethics and responsibility plays a primary role for the safekeeping of sustainable development and success. By investing in the Corporate Biofuel Program SAF of Air France-KLM, we want to take an active part in reducing CO₂ emissions that are related to our business travel. We are very happy to be the first company in Cyprus and among the very first in Europe that joins this program and we are confident that a lot more will follow. We wish to Air France-KLM Group every success" said Mr. David George Tidmarsh, sea chefs’ Managing Director during the event.
The agreement is part of the SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) corporate program launched by Air France-KLM to propose companies to play an active role in the future of sustainable travel.
Through the SAF program, Air France and KLM corporate customers, after estimating the CO₂ emissions associated with their travel, can determine the annual contribution they wish to make to this program. The Air France-KLM group invests all contributions in the supply and use of sustainable aviation fuel. This will support the creation of a sustainable fuel industry that ensures increasingly eco-responsible air transport.
Sustainable fuels for aviation, fundamental levers for reducing CO₂ emissions Air France and KLM have been involved for many years in research and development programs in the field of alternative fuels. In 2011, the two airlines were among the first to operate commercial flights with sustainable fuels, demonstrating that it is possible to use an alternative energy to fossil fuels. In this context, last February, KLM operated a passenger flight partially made of sustainably produced synthetic kerosene for the first time in the world (on the route between Amsterdam and Madrid). In 2020, through a "call for expression of interest", Air France engaged with business leaders to support 6 new production programs in Europe, including sustainably produced synthetic kerosene.
Last May, Air France carried out the first long-haul flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced in France. The flight took off from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport for Montreal with its tanks filled for the first time with sustainable aviation fuel produced from waste and residue sourced from the circular economy. They can be incorporated into aircraft fuel without any modifications to the engine. Its use can reduce emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional fuel. The main challenge today is the development of a sustainable industry to which the corporate customers of Air France and KLM can make a concrete contribution.
At a time when climate awareness is at the heart of many companies' strategy, the SAF corporate program offers Air France-KLM corporate customers the opportunity to take an active part in reducing CO₂ emissions.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
