Air France-KLM Group

Bootsma is exiting at a pivotal time for Air France-KLM, which recently agreed to buy a stake in Scandinavian airline SAS.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

The Franco-Dutch airline has also said it is interested in TAP Air Portugal as Europe’s airline industry consolidates.

Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith has long been saying that Air France-KLM wants to take an active part in European airline consolidation.

The move is part of the airline's ongoing chapter 11 and restructuring process.

The government of Portugal has announced plans to sell at least 51% of TAP Air Portugal, as it launched the long-awaited privatization process.

Wet lease specialist Hi Fly will work with startup Global Airlines on preparing the A380s for the carrier’s planned launch of operations in summer 2024.

Air France-KLM announced it will place an order for 50 Airbus A350 family aircraft to be delivered starting in 2026, with purchase rights for 40 more.

Air France-KLM sees partnerships with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producers helping boost production of the still-scarce fuels.

As Air France's 90th birthday looms, rumors circulate that the carrier may be announcing the purchase of roughly 50 new widebodies.

The 50-50 partnership announced earlier this month has entered into the exclusive negotiation stage and is expected to commence operations in H1 2024.

Expanding on an existing commercial partnership, Air France-KLM and Etihad are looking to collaborate on areas such as passenger operations and maintenance.

Discrepancy in cost is a major barrier to encouraging more people to travel by less-polluting, climate-friendlier rail.

Governments and nonprofits are highlighting the huge price gap between low-cost flights and more expensive rail services.

Air France-KLM, IAG and Lufthansa Group say the summer is going more smoothly than last year’s and travel demand is set to remain strong.

Longer turnaround times have limited the MRO provider's opportunities to expand third-party services.

As it posted a big increase in quarterly profit, Air France-KLM reported that capacity across its airlines reached 92% of 2019 levels in the second quarter.

With more environmental scrutiny, not to mention the high costs of pilot training if funded by the individual, airlines know they need to focus on training.

The extra €500 million ($560 million) investment by Apollo-managed funds will support the MRO's future component purchases.

Airline consolidation is gaining traction in Europe: Air Europa and TAP Air Portugal are next in line to be acquired.

Economics, environment and passenger choice are driving growth in Europe’s air-rail links.

The French-Dutch MRO provider will introduce repair services for the widebody engine as part of the Rolls-Royce’s aftermarket network.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and airspace closures are having long-term effects on the networks of European carriers.

European carriers say they need support, not constraints, to help them decarbonize.

The high price tag on sustainable aviation fuel, coupled with a lack of European producers, are headaches for Air France-KLM as they aim to meet climate goals.