KLM operates first passenger flight with synthetic kerosene

Netherlands flag carrier KLM has announced the use of synthetic kerosene to conduct a passenger flight for the first time.

The announcement was made during an international conference on synthetic sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in The Hague.

As part of this demonstration, the carrier collaborated with Dutch Government Infrastructure and Water Management Ministry and oil and gas company Shell.

KLM operated the sustainable synthetic kerosene-powered flight carrying passengers from Amsterdam to Madrid.

For the flight, the carrier used a blend of regular fuel mixed with 500l of synthetic kerosene produced by Royal Dutch Shell with carbon dioxide, water and renewable energy sources.

KLM CEO Pieter Elbers said: “I am proud that KLM is today operating the industry-first flight using synthetic kerosene made from renewable sources. The transition from fossil fuel to sustainable alternatives is one of the largest challenges in aviation.

“Fleet renewal contributed significantly to the reduction of CO₂ emissions, but the upscaling of production and the use of sustainable aviation fuel will make the biggest difference for the current generation of aircraft.

“That is why we teamed up with various partners some time ago, to stimulate the development of sustainable synthetic kerosene. This first flight on synthetic kerosene shows that it is possible in practice and that we can move forward.”

Flag carrier Japan Airlines (JAL) recently operated a commercial flight for the first-time using country’s made sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is produced by a blend of SAF and traditional jet kerosene.