Air-France-KLM launches first long-haul flight with eco-fuel

Air France-KLM has launched what it says is its first long-haul flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel

PARIS -- Air France-KLM sent into the air Tuesday what the company called its first long-haul flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel - petroleum mixed with a synthetic jet fuel derived from waste cooking oils. The fuel used for the Paris-to-Montreal flight is part of efforts by the industry worldwide to experiment with alternative sources as regulators and governments tighten emissions rules for the coming decades. Other airlines and plane-makers are also experimenting with using varying levels of biofuels or different kinds of sustainable fuel. The passenger jet took off with sustainable fuel making up 16% of its supply for the journey. Air France-KLM announced its initiative by the tarmac at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Joining France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith at the event were Total oil company CEO Patrick Pouyanne and Airbus President Guillaume Faury. France’s transport minister, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, called t proof that “there is another way. We show that the biggest part of the solution lies in technological innovation.”