KLM Backs Wennink Report, Calls for National SAF Fund to Secure Dutch Economic Future

On December 12, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines officially endorsed the findings of the newly released advisory report, “The Route to Future Prosperity” (De weg naar toekomstige welvaart). Authored by former ASML CEO Peter Wennink, the report outlines a strategic roadmap for the Dutch economy, emphasizing the need for significant investment to maintain national competitiveness.

Central to KLM’s endorsement is the report’s recommendation for the Dutch government to establish a national SAF fund. The airline argues that such a financial mechanism is critical to bridging the price gap between fossil kerosene and renewable alternatives, thereby accelerating the aviation sector’s transition to Sustainability without compromising the Netherlands’ economic standing.

The Wennink Report: A Call for Investment

Commissioned to analyze the Dutch Investments climate, the Wennink report warns that the Netherlands risks economic stagnation if it does not increase its annual growth rate to between 1.5% and 2%. According to the findings, maintaining current social standards, including healthcare, defense, and the energy transition, requires a massive capital injection.

The report estimates that an additional €151 billion to €187 billion in investment is needed by 2035 to modernize the economy. It identifies specific high-productivity sectors as essential pillars for future prosperity, including Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, and aviation.

KLM has aligned itself with these findings, noting that a thriving business climate relies heavily on international connectivity. In its statement, the airline emphasized that the connectivity provided by Schiphol Airport is vital for Dutch trade and for attracting international headquarters to the region.

The Proposal for a National SAF Fund

A key pillar of the aviation Strategy proposed in the report is the creation of a government-backed fund dedicated to Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Currently, SAF is significantly more expensive than traditional fossil kerosene, often three to four times the price, and suffers from limited supply availability.

KLM posits that a national fund would act as a catalyst to solve these market inefficiencies. By subsidizing the cost difference, the fund would make SAF more affordable for Airlines, ensuring they remain competitive against non-EU carriers that may not face similar sustainability mandates. Furthermore, the fund is intended to de-risk long-term investments for energy companies, encouraging the construction of domestic refineries, such as the facilities planned in Delfzijl.

“Such a fund would enable the Netherlands to accelerate the production of alternative aviation fuels and make them more affordable, thereby accelerating the sector’s sustainability.”

— KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

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Strategic Competitiveness vs. Taxation

KLM used the release of the Wennink report to argue against unilateral national taxes or flight restrictions, which have been subjects of recent political debate in the Netherlands. The airline warns that such measures could harm the Dutch economy by reducing connectivity and driving business elsewhere.

Instead, KLM advocates for incentivizing sustainability. The airline suggests that the government must take a more active role in the energy transition rather than relying solely on industry mandates. According to the press release, “Real progress can only be achieved if government and industry work together and if the government takes a more active role.”

AirPro News Analysis

The endorsement of the Wennink report represents a strategic pivot for KLM, moving the conversation from “flight shaming” to economic necessity. By aligning its sustainability goals with the broader “Draghi-style” warnings about European competitiveness, KLM is positioning aviation not just as a transport sector, but as a geopolitical asset essential for the Netherlands’ survival as a trading nation.

However, this call for government funding comes amidst a complex backdrop. In 2024, KLM faced legal scrutiny regarding “greenwashing” allegations, with courts ruling that some “Fly Responsibly” advertisements painted an overly optimistic picture of SAF’s immediate impact. The push for a national fund can be interpreted as a tacit admission that the industry cannot achieve its 2030 and 2050 climate targets through market forces alone; without state intervention to lower the cost of SAF, the “green” transition remains economically unfeasible for legacy carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Wennink Report?

Titled “The Route to Future Prosperity,” it is an advisory report authored by Peter Wennink (former CEO of ASML) that analyzes the Dutch investment climate and proposes strategies to boost economic growth and productivity.

Why does KLM want a national SAF fund?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is currently much more expensive than fossil kerosene. A national fund would help bridge this price gap, making it affordable for airlines to use more renewable fuel while encouraging energy companies to build production facilities in the Netherlands.

How much investment does the report say is needed?

The report estimates that the Netherlands needs an additional €151 billion to €187 billion in investment by 2035 to modernize its economy and maintain social standards.

Sources

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

New “Book and Claim” Model Brings Sustainable Fuel to Remote Air Ambulances

On December 10, 2025, Airbus Helicopters and the French operator SAF Hélicoptères announced a strategic partnership designed to decarbonize emergency medical services (HEMS) in Catalonia, Spain. The initiative utilizes a “Book and Claim” mechanism to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) credits to operations that physically cannot access the fuel, marking a significant shift in how remote aviation sectors approach environmental compliance.

The project focuses on two Airbus H145 helicopters operated by SAF Hélicoptères for the Catalan Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services. According to the announcement, this arrangement allows the operator to reduce its carbon footprint despite the logistical impossibility of delivering physical biofuels to small, decentralized hospital helipads.

Overcoming the “Last Mile” Logistics Challenge

Emergency medical missions present a unique challenge for decarbonization. Unlike commercial airlines that refuel at major hubs with established infrastructure, HEMS helicopters often operate from remote bases or hospital rooftops. Transporting small quantities of SAF to these scattered locations by truck would be inefficient and could generate more carbon emissions than the biofuel saves.

To solve this, Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères have adopted the “Book and Claim” model. Under this system, the operator purchases SAF “certificates” representing the environmental benefits of the fuel. The physical fuel is then pumped into the aviation system at a central location, such as a major airport, where it is consumed by other aircraft. SAF Hélicoptères then claims the carbon reduction for its specific HEMS missions in Catalonia.

Jean-Louis Camus, Co-director of SAF Hélicoptères, explained the contractual necessity of this arrangement in the company’s statement:

“In my contract, I state that I will pay the equivalent of a portion of my helicopters’ fuel usage in exchange for a certificate.”

The Role of Airbus and Certification

Airbus Helicopters is acting as the market facilitator in this pilot program. According to the release, the manufacturer purchases SAF certificates in bulk from producers and resells them to smaller operators. This approach is intended to “de-risk” the process for customers who may lack the purchasing power to negotiate large fuel contracts independently.

Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Airbus, highlighted the company’s objective to democratize access to green fuels:

“For a lot of smaller operators, getting access to SAF can be challenging… Airbus can simplify and derisk the process.”

To ensure transparency and prevent “double counting”, where two different parties might claim the same environmental benefit, the initiative utilizes a registry managed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). This certification ensures that once the carbon reduction is claimed by the HEMS operator, it cannot be claimed by the entity physically burning the fuel at the central hub.

AirPro News Analysis: The Regulatory Gap

While the “Book and Claim” model solves the immediate logistical hurdles for HEMS operators, it faces a complex regulatory landscape. As of late 2025, major frameworks like the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the ReFuelEU initiative prioritize the physical supply of fuel at mandated airports. Consequently, “Book and Claim” systems are not yet fully recognized for meeting all national compliance targets, creating a temporary regulatory gap.

Furthermore, while this system reduces Scope 3 emissions for clients like the Catalan Department of Health, the cost of SAF remains significantly higher, often 2 to 8 times that of conventional jet fuel. The willingness of public health administrations to absorb these costs signals a shift in public tenders, where environmental compliance is becoming a non-negotiable requirement for government contracts.

A Model for Future Operations

The deployment in Catalonia serves as a proof-of-concept for the wider industry. Juan Carlos Gomez Herrera, representing the Catalan Administration, noted that the initiative aligns with their broader public health mandate, viewing environmental responsibility as an extension of immediate medical care.

By decoupling the physical fuel from its environmental attributes, Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères are demonstrating a viable pathway for decarbonizing decentralized aviation sectors that have previously been left behind by airport-centric green policies.

Sources: Airbus

This article is based on an official press release from Delta Air Lines and includes additional industry context.

Delta Air Lines Reports 2025 Sustainability Milestones: Fleet Upgrades and Operational Efficiency

Delta Airlines has released its 2025 sustainability progress report, detailing significant advancements in its “Keep Climbing” strategy. According to the airline, the focus for the year remained on immediate operational efficiencies and long-term technological investments aimed at decarbonization. The carrier reported meeting critical fuel-saving targets while laying the groundwork for future fleet innovations.

In an official statement, Delta highlighted progress across three strategic pillars: fleet modernization, operational changes, and the scaling of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The airline confirmed it achieved a near-term goal of 1% fuel burn savings, equating to approximately 55 million gallons of fuel saved throughout the year. These efforts are part of a broader push to mitigate the environmental impact of aviation while managing the economic realities of fuel costs.

Pillar 1: Fleet Modernization and Future Tech

A central component of Delta’s strategy involves replacing older, less efficient jets with next-generation Commercial-Aircraft. The airline reported taking Delivery of over 35 new aircraft in 2025, a move that improved the average fuel efficiency of its fleet by approximately 25% compared to the retired models they replaced.

Next-Generation Orders

Looking ahead, Delta has secured orders for 20 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with deliveries expected to commence in 2026. According to manufacturer specifications cited in the release, these widebody jets are 20-25% more fuel-efficient per seat mile than the Boeing 767 and 777 aircraft they are intended to replace.

Investments in Radical Design

Beyond traditional tube-and-wing aircraft, Delta is investing in revolutionary airframe concepts. The airline is a key partner for JetZero, a company developing a “blended wing body” aircraft. Independent analysis suggests this design could reduce fuel burn by up to 50% by generating lift across the entire airframe, though entry into service is projected for 2030 or later.

Additionally, Delta has partnered with Dutch startup Maeve Aerospace to develop the M80 hybrid-electric regional aircraft. This concept promises 40% higher fuel efficiency than current regional jets, with a potential timeline for entry around 2032.

Pillar 2: Operational Efficiency

While fleet renewal offers long-term gains, Delta’s “Carbon Council”, a cross-divisional team, focused on immediate tactical changes to reduce fuel consumption in 2025. These measures allowed the airline to meet its goal of saving over 55 million gallons of fuel.

Key operational initiatives included:

• APU Reduction: Decreasing the use of Auxiliary Power Units on the ground in favor of electric ground power.
• Engine Foam Wash: Implementing a new cleaning technique that removes debris more effectively than water, thereby improving thermal efficiency.
• Drag Reduction: Installing enhanced winglets and implementing reduced-flaps landings on the Boeing 717 fleet to lower drag and noise.

AirPro News Analysis: The Financial Impact

These efficiency gains have direct financial implications. Based on estimated jet fuel prices of $2.50 to $2.70 per gallon, the 55 million gallons saved in 2025 translates to roughly $130 million to $150 million in cost savings. This operational discipline likely contributed to the airline’s strong financial performance, which allowed for a $1.4 billion profit-sharing payout to employees in February 2025.

Pillar 3: Scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Delta continues to aggressively scale its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), despite facing industry-wide supply constraints. The airline reported it was on track to increase SAF usage by 50% in 2025 compared to 2024 levels, moving from approximately 13 million to 20 million gallons.

The PDX Milestone

A significant achievement in 2025 was the first commercial-scale SAF uplift at Portland International Airport (PDX). In partnership with Shell Aviation and Montana Renewables, this project demonstrated that SAF can be “dropped in” to existing airport infrastructure, such as pipelines and storage tanks, without the need for specialized modifications.

“This project proved that SAF can be dropped into existing airport fuel infrastructure without requiring specialized modifications, a critical step for mass adoption.”

, Industry analysis regarding the PDX milestone

Industry Context and Competitive Landscape

While Delta is making strides, it operates in a highly competitive environment regarding fuel efficiency. Data from analytics firms like Cirium indicates that ultra-low-cost carriers such as Frontier and Spirit often lead the U.S. market in fuel efficiency per seat mile, largely due to their high-density seating configurations.

Among legacy carriers, Southwest Airlines typically leads in efficiency metrics, with Delta, United, and American closely grouped. However, Delta often outperforms peers on specific international routes due to its investment in newer widebody aircraft like the A350 and A330neo.

Challenges to Scaling

Despite the progress, the “Green Premium” remains a hurdle. SAF currently costs two to five times more than conventional jet fuel, and global production accounts for less than 0.5% of total demand. Delta’s goal of 10% SAF usage by 2030 is ambitious and will require continued government support, such as the incentives provided by the Minnesota SAF Hub, to become a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Blended Wing Body” aircraft Delta is investing in?

The Blended Wing Body is a design by JetZero where the aircraft fuselage and wings are integrated, generating lift across the entire body. It aims to reduce fuel consumption by 50% compared to traditional aircraft.

How much fuel did Delta save in 2025?

Delta reported saving approximately 55 million gallons of fuel in 2025 through operational efficiencies, meeting its 1% savings goal.

What is the significance of the PDX SAF project?

The project at Portland International Airport demonstrated that Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be used with existing airport pipelines and storage, removing the need for expensive new infrastructure to handle the fuel.

Sources

• Delta News Hub
• Cirium
• Bureau of Transportation Statistics