Air France-KLM has donated €150,000 to the TU-Delft France Initiative to develop more sustainable solution for the aviation sector.

The donation, to be made over a three year period, was announced at MRO Europe in Amsterdam this week.

The TU-Delft France Initiative was unveiled in April 2023 during French president Emmanuel Macron’s Dutch state visit.

The donation will be managed by the University Fund of the Delft University of Technology to fund joint research projects between France and the Netherlands.

François Alabrune, ambassador of France to the Netherlands, Air France-KLM, Air France and KLM jointly signed the agreement at the trade fair.

This sealed the partnership between the embassy and the Dutch university and Air France-KLM Engineering and Maintenance.

Anne Brachet, executive vice president of Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance, said:.

“We’re excited and honoured to be participating in the TU Delft-France Initiative, which focuses on aircraft engineering.

“With our commitment to this ambitious research and development programme over the next three years, we’re preparing the future of aviation.

“This promising partnership that unifies the Air France-KLM Group, the French Embassy in the Netherlands and TU Delft is of key importance. It symbolises our commitment to innovation and progress, which forms an integral part of our DNA.

“We’re looking forward to working with our French and Dutch partners to explore new technologies in the airline industry and contribute to the success of this initiative.”

Ton Dortmans, executive vice president KLM Engineering & Maintenance, added: “I am proud to see that the TU DELFT – FRANCE Initiative is giving us the opportunity to extend our longstanding relation with the TU Delft.

“Groupe ISAE and TU Delft are two leading aerospace institutes working together with Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance. This is an important step towards decarbonizing aviation.”

François Alabrune, France’s ambassador to the Netherlands, said: “I’m very pleased with the Air France-KLM Group’s contribution, which is important for our countries.

“The TU Delft-France Initiative is a unique cooperative model between academic institutions, research centres and companies, focusing on coming up with innovative solutions directed at making the industry more sustainable. I encourage other players in the industry to follow this example.”

Henri Werij, dean of the faculty of Aerospace Engineering of TU Delft, said: “International cooperation with leading players in the European airline industry is essential for the breakthrough technologies needed for climate-neutral aviation by 2050.

“The TU Delft France Initiative provides an opportunity to expand our cooperation with excellent universities and companies in France. We greatly appreciate this contribution from Air France-KLM and look forward to further cooperation with this important partner.”