KLM endorses Wennink: Aviation essential for the economy and calls for a national SAF fund

KLM supports the call in the Wennink report ‘The Route to Future Prosperity’ for the government to invest in a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) fund.

Support for Wennink Report:
KLM backs the conclusions of the Wennink report “The Route to Future Prosperity”, which emphasizes aviation’s role in safeguarding economic prosperity in the Netherlands.

National SAF Fund Proposal:
KLM urges the Dutch government to establish a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) fund to accelerate production, reduce costs, and make SAF more widely available.

Economic Importance of Aviation:
The airline stresses that aviation and Schiphol Airport are vital for trade, employment, and international competitiveness, warning against restrictions or additional charges that could weaken the Netherlands’ global position.

Environmental Commitment:
KLM is already investing in cleaner operations, fleet renewal, and SAF blending (beyond EU mandates). SAF can reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by at least 65% compared to fossil kerosene.

Ambition for 2030:
The Netherlands aims for a 14% SAF blend by 2030. KLM argues that government investment, similar to wind and solar energy subsidies, is essential to reach this target.

Funding Mechanism:
The proposed SAF fund could be financed through revenues from the existing Dutch aviation tax.

Why It Matters
This move positions the Netherlands as a potential leader in sustainable aviation. By bridging the price gap between SAF and fossil fuels, the country could accelerate innovation, secure raw materials, and strengthen its competitive edge in global aviation.