TotalEnergies and Air France-KLM have entered into a significant agreement that will see TotalEnergies supply up to 1.5 million tonnes of more sustainable aviation fuel to the Air France-KLM Group over a decade, extending until 2035. This pact represents one of the largest SAF purchase contracts ever signed by Air France-KLM.
In 2022 and 2023, Air France-KLM emerged as the world’s leading user of SAF, accounting for 17 percent and 16 percent of total global production, respectively. This new contract builds upon a previous memorandum of understanding established in 2022, which outlined the supply of 800,000 tonnes of SAF. By revisiting this agreement, both companies reaffirm their commitment to minimising the environmental impact of the air transport sector and significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
Air France-KLM has set an ambitious target to reduce its CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer by 30 percent from 2019 levels by 2030. This goal will be achieved through a combination of fleet renewal, operational improvements such as eco-piloting, and the integration of at least 10 percent sustainable aviation fuel on all flights—exceeding regulatory requirements.
The SAF provided to Air France-KLM will be derived from waste and residues within the circular economy, produced at TotalEnergies’ biorefineries and refineries in France and across Europe through coprocessing. This fuel will be used for flights departing from France, the Netherlands, and other European nations. The development of SAF is a central focus of TotalEnergies’ strategy to address the aviation sector’s growing demand.
Air France-KLM adheres to a strict sourcing policy, ensuring that it only purchases second-generation SAF that does not compete with global food production and is certified for sustainability by RSB or ISCC+.
Sustainable aviation fuel can reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 75 percent and potentially up to 90 percent throughout its entire lifecycle when compared to fossil fuel alternatives.
“SAF contributes both to the energy transition of our customers in the aviation sector and to the industrial transition of our refineries. It therefore represents a real ‘win-win’ for the future of industry and aviation,” stated Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. He emphasised the company’s decade-long commitment to pioneering investments in biorefineries and SAF production facilities in France, along with the advancement of coprocessing technologies.
Benjamin Smith, the chief executive officer of Air France-KLM Group, remarked, “Securing the volumes of more sustainable aviation fuel needed to decarbonise our 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 robust SAF sector capable of meeting our industry’s needs is crucial for Europe’s sovereignty and energy independence.”
For more information visit www.totalenergies.com
