Recognising that the next generation is looking at the aviation industry, the airline is seeking to assume responsibility and take action on both the cargo and passenger side to reduce direct and indirect CO2 emissions as part of a push towards increased sustainability.
Fleet renewal
Gradually replacing its aircraft with new-generation models that are cleaner and more fuel-efficient is one of Air France-KLM’s key measures. The carrier aims to introduce 64 percent new-generation aircraft across its fleet by 2028, generating 15 percent fewer emissions on average.
“There is quite some gain expected and delivered already on this front,” Christophe Boucher, Executive Vice President of Air France Cargo, stated. “Airbus A350 freighters are supposed to be received by KLM Cargo/Martinair in 2026 and Air France in 2028.
“There might be some delay because Airbus has some difficulty to deliver within the expected time. There was also a discussion about the size of the side cargo door that led to further technical analysis, which is good. We’d rather have it a bit delayed but with the right equipment.
“We are eager to see these new aircraft with new technology and less fuel consumption getting into our fleet.”
SAF situation
Seeing SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) as one of the most promising levers that will help Air France to reduce its CO2 emissions, the carrier plans to use more than 10 percent SAF on board its aircraft by 2030, exceeding the obligations set by the European Commission.
“Air France-KLM has been quite successful with SAF, but we see that the growth is difficult because you have few industries at the present time that are willing to invest,” Boucher explained.
“We are going to see the SAF mandate from Europe growing, and that’s probably the way to go. The same rules should apply to everybody.
“But, at present, our new aircraft and SAF are the way forward.”
Electrifying to reduce emissions
With fleet renewal and the move to SAF goals that take time, Air France has been looking at how it can have a more immediate effect on the ground.
Vehicles and equipment supporting aircraft and moving cargo within Air France’s facilities are being electrified and automated to cut emissions and enhance efficiency.
“We are making progress in this area, but, as with SAF, the issue is money,” Boucher revealed.
“Everybody agrees that we have to do something, everybody is ready to do something, but when it comes to the cost, that’s where there’s difficulty.
“Someone has to pay and that’s where we have to have a discussion with the customer and their shippers. We need to convince people that there is a price to pay for these additional costs related to the ambition to have lower carbon footprints.”
Communication is critical
While the movement towards a more environmentally-friendly sector is evident, the aviation industry is often targeted by critics who accuse it of greenwashing.
Looking at how to counter this criticism, Boucher believes the key is to be transparent in the work that’s being done but also the steps that still need to be taken to achieve net zero goals.
“We have to be very clear and very honest on what we do,” Boucher stated.
“We cannot claim we do more than we do but we can renew our fleet and electrify operations. What we can try to do is limit the impact that we have and do our utmost to limit our impact.
“Back to cargo, optimising flights is key. The more cargo you put on your flights, the less you have to have extra aircraft flying. It’s very small, but it’s very pragmatic. We are acting more than talking about it.”
