Air France-KLM Group

The Netherlands-based LCC is focused on restarting as many routes as possible this summer, with an ambition of growing capacity to 80% of 2019 levels by the third quarter of 2021.

Air France-KLM is hoping to operate 50% of its normal capacity across the airline group’s entire network during the summer season, CEO Ben Smith said.

The carrier becomes the first SkyTeam alliance member to provide transatlantic service from Denver.

Air France-KLM and China Eastern Airlines are to extend the scope of their partnership following the approval of a recapitalization plan for the European group in which China Eastern, an existing shareholder, is taking part.

The European Commission has approved a €4 billion ($4.7 billion) French government-backed recapitalization plan for Air France, but in return the flag-carrier must relinquish 18 daily slots at Paris Orly airport to alleviate Brussels’ competition concerns.

The full transcript of Elbers' interview in Routes Magazine, in which he discusses the airline’s network rebuild and why sustainability remains a key focus during the recovery from COVID-19.

Ever since it became obvious that the state loans and guarantees allocated to Air France-KLM to help it survive the COVID-19 crisis would not be enough, executives and ministers in the group’s home countries have been scrambling to come up with a new solution.

Conditions remain challenging in the first quarter of 2021, in which the group expects to operate 40% of pre-pandemic capacity as ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions stifle flying

France’s transport minister has called for “fair competition” regarding conditions set to be imposed by the European Commission (EC) on a planned state recapitalization of Air France-KLM.

Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith has reportedly called for the conditions Europe is expected to impose on the Franco-Dutch airline group’s recapitalization to be proportionate.

Air France-KLM has launched a new sustainability scheme that allows corporate customers to determine an annual contribution to the group’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) program.

For Europe’s airlines, optimism that began in late 2020 over vaccines has not translated into a surge in bookings as hoped.

France and the Netherlands are holding discussions to resolve their differences over how they should approach a planned recapitalization for Air France-KLM to get through the COVID-19 crisis.

Routes spoke to a string of airline CEOs this year. Catch up on 10 of the most recent interviews.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has launched what it describes as the world’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) program for the airfreight industry.

Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith discusses the overhaul of the group’s strategy in the French domestic market.

Routes Reconnected will see the globe’s leading airlines, airports and tourism organisations come together to rebuild the world’s air services.

The most effective way for airlines to cut emissions in the short term is to invest in more efficient new aircraft, though extra taxation of the sector threatens that, Air France-KLM Group CEO Ben Smith said.

Air France-KLM Group CEO Ben Smith is reportedly predicting leisure and business demand will rebound as soon as a COVID-19 treatment/vaccine becomes available or rapid tests are put in place.

European airlines’ capacity plans were already indicating that traffic levels would fall further in the coming weeks. As lockdown after lockdown begins, the mood within the industry is gloomier still.

The Dutch government has failed to approve a restructuring plan for flag-carrier KLM after unions refused to agree to make salary commitments for the duration of the planned state aid package.

The latest lockdown in France adds to the difficulties the group faces.

Air France-KLM Group said Air France expected to operate around 35% of its 2019 network passenger capacity and KLM about 45% in the fourth quarter, as the group reported a 2020 third-quarter loss of €1.67 billion ($1.95 billion).

New international interline agreements and flights on South Africa's busiest domestic routes highlight carrier's new course.

Air France-KLM and travel technology company Amadeus have signed a New Distribution Capability (NDC) agreement which will allow travel agents to access the airline group’s NDC offers through the Amadeus Travel Platform and its NDC-enabled solutions.