‘By using 100% BioDiesel in our vehicles we are injecting a powerful impetus in the advancement of sustainable enterprise at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. We have formulated the ambition of running a CO2-neutral operation by 2012, and investment in sustainable mobility is one way in which we will achieve this’, explains Ad Rutten, Executive Vice President & COO of Schiphol Group.

Over the next four months, some 40 airport vehicles will be running on 100% BioDiesel. These include tractors and catering, bird control, lease and delivery vans. If the pilot proves a success within those four months, additional vehicles will be switched over to BioDiesel.

SkyNRG
SkyNRG is a Dutch company established by KLM, the North Sea Group and Spring Associates with the mission of achieving greater sustainability in aviation through the use of fuels that are both sustainable and economical. In pursuing that mission, SkyNRG relies on a range of raw materials and technologies.

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, adding: “The conservation of biodiversity is, of course, also a precondition. Our cooperation with WWF is both important and inspirational.” 

Johan van de Gronden, director of WWF The Netherlands: “The establishment of SkyEnergy is a groundbreaking initiative. KLM’s demonstration flight serves as a concrete step towards achieving a more sustainable future. We still have a long way to go in relation to biofuels for aviation, but by investing in this manner KLM is once again taking the lead.”

“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. Within the consortium, we have clustered expertise and experience in legislation, ecology and technology, as well as the ability to develop biokerosene in an economically viable manner. We are moving forward with great resolve, but cannot do it alone. We need the efforts and 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 Index for five consecutive years.