Airline giant KLM is strongly backing the recommendation from the recent Wennink report, ‘The Route to Future Prosperity’, which calls on the Dutch government to establish a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) fund. KLM argues that such a fund is necessary to accelerate the domestic production of alternative aviation fuels, make them more affordable, and fast-track the sector’s sustainability, reports news.klm.
KLM CEO Marjan Rintel emphasized that meaningful progress requires collaboration and a more active government role.
“Real progress can only be achieved if government and industry work together and if the government takes a more active role. KLM urges policymakers to adopt this recommendation,” she stated.
KLM fully supports the report’s conclusion that aviation is vital for safeguarding prosperity and maintaining the Netherlands’ position as an innovative ecosystem. The airline stressed that the industry, centered around Schiphol Airport, is crucial for the nation’s economic strength, trade, employment, and international competitiveness.
“It is therefore vital that we invest collectively in a future-proof aviation sector rather than restrict it or impose additional national charges. Doing so would undermine the Netherlands’ competitive position and the global connectivity on which our prosperity depends,” the company warned.
KLM confirmed it is heavily investing in cleaner operations, noting that SAF is currently one of the most effective ways to reduce aviation CO₂ emissions, achieving at least a 65% reduction across its lifecycle compared to traditional jet fuel.
The airline already blends more SAF than mandated by European regulations and has committed to a long-term purchasing agreement to support the development of the Netherlands’ first dedicated SAF production facility in Delfzijl. However, to meet the national goal of a 14% SAF blend by 2030, these fuels must become more widely available and significantly more affordable. KLM argued that government investment, similar to support provided for wind and solar energy, is essential.
KLM views the national SAF fund as a mechanism to align with European initiatives, such as the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP), and make ‘SAF Made in Holland’ a reality. The airline recommends the fund focus on three key areas:
Making SAF Affordable for Airlines: The fund should bridge the current price gap between SAF and fossil kerosene using incentives. KLM estimates that an annual investment of €60 million could increase the SAF blend by an additional one percent.
Accelerating Production and Access to Raw Materials: The fund should improve access to sustainable raw materials for SAF production and remove obstacles to building necessary infrastructure, accelerating domestic production scale-up.
Investing in Innovation: Support should be channeled into developing next-generation technologies like e-SAF, positioning the Netherlands as a European leader in innovation.
The airline proposed that the fund could be financed through revenues generated by the existing Dutch aviation tax, ensuring Dutch aviation takes the lead in scaling up alternative fuels and keeps the 2030 blend ambition within reach.
