Netherlands to Allocate Millions from Flight Tax for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Development
The Dutch government plans to reserve hundreds of millions of euros from flight tax revenue to enhance the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This initiative comes as Shell and BP intend to cease production at biorefineries in Rotterdam.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts a record 5.2 billion passengers globally this year, raising concerns about carbon emissions from kerosene-burning aircraft. The Sustainable Aviation Table (DLT) recommends investing flight tax revenues into greener fuels, potentially generating about 200 million euros.
Lodewijk Asscher, chair of this collaboration, aims to make SAF more affordable. By 2030, 6% of aircraft fuel should be SAF, increasing to 70% by 2050. Dutch airlines target over 14% SAF blending by 2030.
However, SAF production faces challenges due to limited raw materials and high costs. KLM allows passengers to contribute voluntarily to SAF funding. The industry calls for stronger government support to achieve these sustainability goals.
