Air France-Klm's plans: the future of Amsterdam, agreement with Sas, and a new lounge at Heathrow
Air France celebrated its first 90 years and did so recently in Italy with a [...]
KLM
Air France
Air France celebrated its first 90 years old and did so recently in Italy as well with a party in Rome at the historic Rinascente store in Piazza Fiume displaying its historic uniforms and with extensive branding of the interior and windows of the entire shopping space.
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The Take Off event was attended by the ceo of Air France, Anne Rigail, and Air France-Klm's senior vice president Europe, Noud Duyzings. Officially opened on October 7, 1933, Air France is therefore celebrating an anniversary to celebrate elegance, technology, innovation and comfort on board its aircraft.
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During the fashion show, designed especially for the event, Air France brought some of its key historical uniforms created by leading French designers to the runway: Dior (1963), Balenciaga (1969) and Ricci (1997) among others.
On the sidelines of the event TFC interviewed. Noud Duyzings, senior vice president Europe at Air France-Klm on the Group's role and prospects in Italy and Europe, focusing on the importance of Flying Blue, the role of Amsterdam, and plans for the future (including a new lounge at London Heathrow).
The Italian market is in constant turmoil, even in view of the possible takeover of Ita by Lufthansa. Do you think it will be realistic in the future to launch direct Air France-Klm flights from Italy to an intercontinental destination?
"This is a very interesting question, but to be honest this is not a prospect that currently adheres to our business model. Passengers can experience our worldwide network, traveling through our two hubs-Paris Charles De Gaulle and Amsterdam Schipol. This is how it works very well for now."
Will the recent entry of Sas into the capital change European network strategies? Will the three hubs of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen absorb some of Amsterdam's limited traffic?
"Our group will enter with 19.9% of Sas' shares, so the business partnership will come as soon as possible, I think. At the moment, we cannot create joint ventures or codeshares yet. The first step, which is still important, will definitely be Sas joining the Skyteam alliance. I would say it is still too early to tell whether we will create an additional hub on Copenhagen, Oslo or Stockholm. When that happens, this will still be placed second to Charles de Gaulle and Schiphol."
So Amsterdam-despite the proposed Dutch laws on capping flights and increasing airport taxes-remains at the center of your plans?
"Schiphol Airport will remain one of our two hubs, and we are working hard to find solutions and opportunities both with respect to the cap on flights and with respect to fee increases. We are committed to remaining competitive, offering a key gateway not only for outbound European passengers but also for inbound guests from around the world."
Is there any news about lounges?
"Certainly the lounge at Paris CdG's 2F is our flagship and marks the start of a new model that we like to export around the world. We are currently working to increase the capacity and offerings of the Geneva lounge and may open a lounge at London Heathrow Airport in the future."
What are the future plans for Italian passengers and especially frequent flyers?
"Italian passengers (as well as frequent flyers) are extremely important because Italy is the first European market, after France, for us and has global importance as well. A special focus that we are also increasing in view of the 2024 Paris Olympics. For Italy, we have some special offers in place: for example, Flying Blue members can earn triple miles by flying to certain destinations selected such as Boston, New York, Miami, Tokyo. An offer valid for all flights purchased by December 31, 2023 to fly by March 31, 2024. For new members, however, we also have a special welcome bonus of 10,000 miles. In addition, depending on their status, Flying Blue members can always enjoy a range of benefits; from additional baggage allowance to Sky Priority access."
As far as Flying Blue is concerned, then, is there any more news?
"A very interesting new initiative is one that allows our customers, flying on a Flying Blue award ticket, to make a free stop over in Paris or Amsterdam. This way, they can easily double their travel experience."
How will the Group's fleet change in the next 5 years?
"The fleet upgrade is an important step toward our goals of a more sustainable air transport industry. We recently placed an order for 50 Airbus A350s with purchase rights for an additional 40 aircraft. These aircraft will replace older generation aircraft such as A330s and B777s. The Airbus A350 symbolizes the transition to a more sustainable air transport industry. The aircraft consumes 25% less fuel than an equivalent-sized one of the previous generation, thanks to the use of lighter materials: 53% composites and 14% titanium. By 2028, the share of new generation aircraft in the Air France-Klm fleet will reach 64%, compared to 5% in 2019."