A letter of intent has been signed between KLM and Microsoft to explore cooperation focused on sustainable air travel.
The agreement includes commitment to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which has the potential to reduce up to 80% of CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuel, across the lifecycle, when used on a large scale.
Building on KLM’s Corporate BioFuel Program, Microsoft will purchase an amount of SAF equivalent to all flights taken by Microsoft employees between the USA and Netherlands (and vice versa) on KLM and Delta Airlines.
Boet Kreiken, EVP customer experience, said: “Now Microsoft and KLM join forces, we have a real window of opportunity to accelerate the development of sustainable air travel.
"Starting in 2009, KLM has been stimulating the development of a market for sustainable aviation fuel. KLM believes that medium- and long-term production of sustainable aviation fuel is extremely important for the airline industry to achieve its carbon dioxide reduction goals.
"Together with partners like Microsoft we can make this a reality so much sooner.”
In addition, Microsoft and KLM intend to explore areas of cooperation that would further improve sustainability and reduce emissions associated with air travel.
The joint aim of the cooperation is to provide a blueprint that will engage other corporations to stimulate the demand for sustainable air travel solutions, and achieve ambitions to address their carbon footprint within their own supply chain.