AIR FRANCE KLM MARTINAIR Cargo

WHAT IS SAF?

SAF stands for "Sustainable Aviation Fuel", the name the aviation industry uses to describe an alternative to fossil-based kerosene. SAFs are set to become the primary lever for decarbonizing air transport in the coming years. Produced from non-fossil fuel sources, the SAF selected by Air France-KLM reduces CO₂ emissions by at least 65% over its entire life cycle. These fuels can be used today without any modifications to aircraft or flight operations and are gradually replacing traditional fuels. Air France-KLM exclusively selects fuels that are proven to be sustainable and certified by independent bodies such as the RSB or ISCC+ (notably from sources like used oil or agricultural waste). The SAF sourced by Air France-KLM is produced from second-generation biomass with strict sustainability criteria defined by the EU (e.g., no competition with food production, no deforestation).

EMISSION REDUCTIONS ENABLED BY SAF

While SAF emits the same amount of CO₂ during flight as conventional kerosene, the reduction in emissions occurs in the upstream phase—specifically during the SAF production process. For example, consider SAF made from used cooking oils: these oils are originally derived from plants, which absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere through photosynthesis as they grow. The used oils are then recycled to produce SAF. By subtracting the CO₂ absorbed by the plants from the CO₂ emissions generated by the SAF, its overall carbon footprint is, on average, 65% lower than that of traditional kerosene. This calculation is part of a life cycle carbon footprint analysis, which considers all activities involved in the manufacture, use, transport, and recycling or disposal of a product.

A DECISIVE LEVER FOR DECARBONISATION

Air France-KLM views sustainable aviation fuels as a crucial lever for decarbonizing air transport and has been a pioneer in using this alternative fuel since 2011. However, the production of SAF is currently very limited due to the lack of a sufficiently developed industrial sector, and their cost is 3 to 4 times higher than that of fossil fuels. To address this, Air France-KLM is collaborating with its industrial and academic partners to accelerate the establishment of production facilities.

WAYS OF CONTRIBUTING

Non-voluntary SAF Contribution
For the past two years, French regulations have required aviation fuel suppliers to incorporate a minimum of 1% SAF into all kerosene sales in France. From 1 January 2025, European regulations will mandate aviation fuel suppliers to include a minimum of 2% SAF for all flights departing from Europe.
Effective 1 January 2025, Air Waybills for flights departing from the European Union (EU) or transiting through the EU to intercontinental destinations will be subject to an SAF contribution.

Voluntary SAF Investment options
Customers can choose to voluntarily contribute to the purchase of additional SAF when booking shipments through goSAF or by opting for our customised investment option via our Cargo SAF Programme.

goSAF
Customers can now choose from four levels of SAF investment within myCargo when making a booking. We are constantly working to reduce the CO₂ emissions of our flights. Customers can decide to voluntarily invest in the purchase of additional SAF when booking a shipment. Every contribution is fully allocated to SAF procurement.

Cargo SAF Programme
The Cargo SAF Programme enables shippers and forwarders to power a share of their flights using SAF. These customers can select their preferred level of investment, and we ensure that the entire contribution is used to source SAF. Customers investing in SAF receive an annual third-party-audited report linking the amount of SAF purchased to their traffic volume, along with an estimate of the resulting reduction in carbon emissions.