KLM HAS reached an agreement with the Costa Rican government to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The letter of intent, signed on October 31, is the first of its kind between an airline and a country and will see the two working together to develop more sustainable commercial aviation. This includes researching the possibility of the Dutch flag carrier flying from San José using bio-based jet fuel.
Commenting on the deal, KLM COO René de Groot said: “The greater the production of biofuels – and, therefore, the greater the supply – the lower the price will be, and the more businesses will use it. KLM and Costa Rica are taking the lead, now. It would be great if other airlines, governments, and the entire biofuel supply chain took such steps.” Costa Rican Minister of Environment and Energy Edgar Gutierrez Espeleta added: “For Costa Rica, a country seeking to achieve carbon neutrality, it is very important to be the destination of KLM’s first flight. The company is concerned about the environment and is a worldwide example in the use of biofuels. Thank you for taking the lead and for showing other companies around the world that you can change customs for the good of the planet.”
In 2009, KLM became the first airline in the world to operate a flight using sustainable bio-based jet fuel. It has since flown more than 1,000 fully or partially biofuel-powered commercial services, including all of its flights from Los Angeles to Amsterdam since 2012.