KLM launches biofuel-powered transatlantic flights between New York, Amsterdam

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has commenced the operation of biofuel-powered intercontinental flights as a part of its Corporate BioFuel Program.

The airline will employ a Being 777-200 aircraft for a weekly flight, every Thursday from JFK-New York to Schilpol International, Amsterdam as part of its strategy to use sustainable biofuel on a more regular basis.

"By this initiative KLM demonstrates that sustainable biofuel in the airline industry is here to stay," said the airline in a statement.

KLM is partnering with the Schiphol Group, Delta Air Lines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for the execution of the program.

Commenting on the developments KLM managing director Camiel Eurlings stated, "Alongside this biofuel series we are starting a study to further identify sustainability gains in fuel, weight and CO2 reduction throughout the entire flight process."

Schiphol Group CEO Jos Nijhuis noted that the alliance with KLM is on lines with its efforts to create steady biofuel demand in aviation.

"It is our duty as partners in the aviation industry to spur innovation and to create new solutions which make aviation more efficient and more sustainable," added Nijhuis.

KLM had earlier agreed to cooperate with World Wide Fund for Nature the Netherlands (WWF-NL) to stimulate a sustainable airline industry by reducing CO2 emissions and increasing fuel efficiency

WWF-NL CEO Johan van der Gronden said, "The first series of transatlantic biofuel flights is an important step to achieve this goal.

"It also shows again that KLM is a front runner in the development and use of sustainable biofuel to curb CO2 emissions in aviation," added Gronden.

KLM earlier recorded the longest biofuel-powered flight between Amsterdam to Rio de Janeiro in June 2012 with SkyNRG acting as the fuel supplier.