In a landmark initiative, Air France has committed to matching passengers’ donations to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, reinforcing its dedication to environmental sustainability.
A Flight Towards Sustainability
Air France has taken a significant step in promoting eco-friendly travel by pledging to match its customers’ contributions to the purchase of SAF. This initiative, aligned with the Paris 2024 Games, reflects the airline’s proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting global decarbonization efforts.
The airline’s commitment extends to all bookings for travel to mainland France and French Polynesia between July 18 and September 9, 2024. For instance, a customer’s €50 contribution towards SAF will be doubled by Air France, totaling €100. This bold move is part of a broader strategy to incorporate at least 10% SAF on all flights by 2030, surpassing the European mandates.
The Eco-Pilot Program
Air France’s environmental strategy, dubbed ‘Air France Act,’ is a comprehensive program aimed at slashing CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 30% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. The strategy includes fleet renewal with new generation aircraft like the Airbus A350 and A220, which offer a 20-25% reduction in fuel consumption and a significant decrease in noise pollution.
Moreover, the airline invests over one billion euros annually in fleet renewal, ensuring that by 2030, 80% of its fleet will consist of new generation aircraft. Operational measures such as eco-piloting, including single-engine taxiing, direct flight paths, and continuous descents, complement the use of SAF.
Leading the Charge in SAF
Air France’s initiative is not just about matching donations; it’s about leading the charge in the adoption of SAF. The airline supports the development of SAF production facilities in France, Europe, and globally. SAF, made from non-fossil resources like used oils or agricultural waste, can reduce CO2 emissions by at least 75% over their lifecycle compared to fossil fuels.
By matching customer contributions, Air France is not only investing in a sustainable future but also encouraging its passengers to participate actively in the journey towards a greener planet.
