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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:20:01

Air France–KLM

Air France–KLM Group
Air France–KLM Group

Air France–KLM S.A., a French airline holding company, formed in 2004 by the merger of Air France and KLM. It includes major brands Air France, KLM, and Transavia. The group operates with hubs at Paris–Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris Orly Airport, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Air France–KLM Airlines served 83 million passengers in 2022.

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1919
Foundation of KLM

KLM was founded in 1919, and later merged with Air France in 2004 to form Air France-KLM.

1933-08-30
The Birth of Air France

On August 30, 1933, five main French airlines merged to form a single national airline at the instigation of the Minister for Air Transport, Pierre Cot. The new national institution was named 'Air France' by journalist George Raffalovitch.

1933-10-07
Creation of Air France

Air France was established on October 7, 1933 through the merger of several French airlines including Air Orient, Air Union, Société Générale de Transports Aériens, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne, and Aéropostale.

1945
Air France Becomes a State-Owned Company

After World War II, Air France transitioned into a state-owned company and underwent significant restructuring. The focus shifted towards international travel, with key long-haul routes like Paris-New York City being prioritized.

1946-07
The Boom Years of Air France

Between 1946 and 1958, air travel expanded rapidly and Air France increased its network density by expanding routes to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The Paris – New York route was opened in July 1946.

1947
Air France inaugurates Lockheed Constellation aircraft on Paris-New York route

In 1947, Air France introduced Lockheed Constellation aircraft on the Paris-New York route, reducing the flight duration to about 15 hours without requiring a layover on the return trip. This marked the beginning of collaboration between Air France and KLM as they operated similar aircraft to common destinations.

1952
Air France Moves to Orly Airport

In 1952, Air France relocated from Le Bourget airport to Orly, marking a significant development in the airline's infrastructure.

1961
Air France Establishes Operations in Orly Sud

In 1961, Air France established its operations and workshops in Orly Sud, further solidifying its presence at the Orly airport.

1967
KLM's First Flight from Schiphol Airport

In 1967, KLM inaugurated its operations at the newly constructed Schiphol airport near Amsterdam with one of its aircraft taking off for the first time.

1970
Air France Introduces Boeing 747 for Long-Haul Routes

In 1970, Air France started operating Boeing 747 aircraft on its long-haul routes, revolutionizing air travel with its capacity to carry around 500 passengers.

1971
KLM Adopts Boeing 747 for Long-Haul Flights

Following Air France's lead, KLM also began operating Boeing 747 aircraft for its long-haul flights in 1971, keeping pace with the advancements in aviation.

1989
KLM and Northwest Airlines Alliance

In 1989, KLM and Northwest Airlines formed an alliance in the history of air transport to provide customers with easy access to both their networks. This partnership marked the beginning of a joint venture between the two airlines.

1990-01-12
Air France, Air Inter, and UTA Merger

On January 12, 1990, the government-owned Air France, semi-public Air Inter, and wholly private Union de Transports Aériens (UTA) were combined to form an expanded Air France. This merger was part of a government initiative to create a unified national air carrier with increased efficiency and global competitiveness.

1991
Open Skies Agreement between Netherlands and United States

In 1991, an initial Open Skies agreement was signed between the Netherlands and the United States, allowing the joint venture of KLM and Northwest Airlines to operate flights between Europe and the United States starting from 1993.

1992
KLM creates European hub at Schiphol airport

In 1992, KLM created the first European hub at Schiphol airport to optimize synergies between its medium- and long-haul flights.

1993
Air France establishes hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Following KLM's model, Air France set up a connecting hub between its medium- and long-haul flights at Paris-Charles de Gaulle in 1993.

1994-07-25
Formation of Groupe Air France

On July 25, 1994, Groupe Air France was established through a decree, officially becoming operational on September 1, 1994. This holding company acquired majority shareholdings in Air France and Air Inter, leading to the restructuring of the Air France group.

1994-08-31
Air France's New Adviser

On August 31, 1994, The New York Times reported on Air France's new adviser.

1995-12
Completion of Roissypôle complex at Charles de Gaulle Airport

The 130,000-square-metre complex at Charles de Gaulle Airport was completed in December 1995. The project was managed by the French firm Groupement d'Etudes et de Méthodes d'Ordonnancement (GEMO) with architects Valode & Pistre.

1997-01-15
Formation of Air France Services Ltd (AFSL)

Air France Services Ltd (AFSL) was established on 15 January 1997 as a major ground handling company at Heathrow airport. Initially a partnership between Air France and Servisair Ltd, it later became solely owned by Air France.

1999-02-19
Partial Privatization of Air France

On February 19, 1999, the French government approved the partial privatization of Air France under Prime Minister Lionel Jospin's Plural Left government. This decision led to the listing of Air France's shares on the Paris stock exchange, marking a significant shift in the airline's ownership structure.

1999-02-22
Air France listed on Paris Stock Exchange

In early 1999, Air France opened its capital to private investment and its first shares were listed on the Paris Stock Exchange on 22 February 1999.

2000
Air France joins SkyTeam alliance

In 2000, Air France became a key member of the SkyTeam alliance, which consists of 19 member airlines worldwide, such as Delta Airlines, Aeromexico, and Korean Air.

2001-06
Air France confirms major A380 order

In June 2001, Air France confirmed a major A380 order, according to ASIATravelTips.com.

2003-09-30
Air France–KLM Merger Announcement

On September 30, 2003, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced their merger, forming the new entity Air France–KLM. This strategic move aimed to create a stronger airline with enhanced global presence and operational synergies.

2004-04-05
Launch of Public Exchange Offer (PEO)

On April 5, 2004, the Public Exchange Offer (PEO) by Air France for KLM shares was launched on the Euronext Paris and Amsterdam markets as well as on the New York Stock Exchange. This marked a significant step in the merger process between Air France and KLM.

2004-05-05
Formation of Air France–KLM

On May 5th, 2004, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines completed their merger, officially forming the new company known as 'Air France–KLM'. This merger solidified their position as a major player in the airline industry.

2005-10
Merger of Air France Cargo and KLM Cargo

In October 2005, the freight subsidiaries of Air France–KLM, Air France Cargo and KLM Cargo, merged their commercial activities, forming a Joint Cargo Management Team based in the Netherlands.

2006-07-06
Inauguration of Air France-KLM UK and Ireland Head Office

On 6th July 2006, the head office for Air France-KLM operations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, located in Plesman House in Hatton Cross, was inaugurated. This facility serves both Air France and KLM operations.

2007
Air France–KLM bids for Alitalia takeover

In 2007, Air France–KLM was one of the bidders for a majority takeover of Alitalia, which was facing financial losses. The board of Alitalia favored Air France–KLM for the takeover.

2008-06
Air France–KLM Cargo Price Fixing Settlement

In June 2008, Air France–KLM agreed to pay $350 million to settle charges of cargo price fixing in an investigation conducted by the U.S. Justice Department. This settlement was part of a larger investigation that also involved Cathay Pacific, Martinair Holland, and SAS Cargo Group.

2009-11-23
Maiden Flight of Air France-KLM's First Airbus A380 Aircraft

On 23 November 2009, Air France-KLM's first Airbus A380 aircraft completed its maiden flight. This marked a significant milestone for the airline as it upgraded its fleet with modern and efficient aircraft.

2010-02-07
Japan Airlines Decision to Keep Alliance with American Airlines

Japan Airlines decided to maintain its partnership with American Airlines and cease discussions with Delta Air Lines. The decision was made to avoid the risks associated with switching alliances from Oneworld to SkyTeam.

2010-02-09
Japan Airlines Strengthening Partnership with American Airlines

Japan Airlines officially announced its decision to enhance its collaboration with American Airlines, including seeking antitrust immunity approval for transpacific routes and reinforcing ties with other Oneworld alliance partners.

2011-09-16
Air France-KLM Orders Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s

On September 16, 2011, Air France-KLM announced orders for 50 Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s with 60 options. These new aircraft were intended to be operated by both Air France and KLM, marking a significant investment in the fleet.

2012
Air France and KLM Cabin Upgrade

In 2012, Air France and KLM upgraded their long- and medium-haul aircraft cabins to focus on customer-centric, high-quality service. They introduced the Boeing 787 for a more eco-friendly travel experience.

2013-05-29
Launch of inflight Wi-Fi pilot by KLM and Air France

KLM and Air France launched a pilot project on 29 May 2013 to test inflight Wi-Fi on one Boeing 777-300ER from each fleet. Passengers could stay online using Wi-Fi enabled devices once the flight reached 20,000 feet.

2014-02
Air-France KLM Investment in Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes

In February 2014, Air-France KLM invested $100 million in Brazilian airline Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes in advance of the 2014 football World Cup. This investment was aimed at strengthening partnerships and expanding business opportunities.

2014-09
Perform 2020 Strategic Plan

In early September 2014, the Group introduced the 'Perform 2020' strategic plan to enhance competitiveness and expand presence in growth markets.

2015-04
Air France revamps Airbus A319 seats

Starting from April 2015, Air France began upgrading the seats on 24 Airbus A319 aircraft, providing a new and improved experience for passengers on medium-haul flights.

2016-03
Air France upgrades Boeing 777 cabins

In March 2016, Air France enhanced the cabins of 30 Boeing 777 aircraft, offering new luxurious options in La Première, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes.

2016-04
Leadership Change at Air France–KLM

In early April 2016, Alexandre de Juniac resigned as Chairman and CEO of Air France–KLM and was succeeded by Jean-Marc Janaillac on 4 July 2016.

2016-06
Air France upgrades Airbus A320 seats

In the first half of 2016, Air France revamped the seats on 25 Airbus A320 aircraft, totaling 7,800 seats, to enhance passenger comfort and experience.

2017-01
Sale of Cobalt Ground Solutions by Air France–KLM

Until January 2017, Air France–KLM fully owned Cobalt Ground Solutions, the third largest ground handling company at London Heathrow Airport. The company was sold to Groupe CRIT in its entirety.

2017-07
Strategic Partnership of Air France-KLM with Delta, China Eastern, and Virgin Atlantic

In July 2017, Air France-KLM entered into a multi-airline strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines, China Eastern Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.

2018-05-04
Jean-Marc Janaillac Resigns as CEO of Air France–KLM

On May 4, 2018, Jean-Marc Janaillac announced his resignation as CEO of Air France–KLM due to employees rejecting a new salary package.

2018-08-16
Benjamin Smith Appointed as CEO of Air France–KLM

The Board of Directors of Air France–KLM announced the appointment of Benjamin Smith as the new CEO on August 16, 2018. He officially assumed his duties on September 30, 2018.

2019-02-26
Dutch Government Purchases Shares in Air France-KLM

On February 26, 2019, the Dutch government revealed that it had acquired 12.68 percent of shares in Air France-KLM and aimed to increase its stake to approximately 14 percent.

2021
Further Revision of Air France's Livery

In 2021, Air France once again revised its livery, adding the hippocampe ailé icon between cockpit windows and front cabin doors. This update also included changes to the placement of aircraft type, SkyTeam logo, and Air France-KLM logo.

2022-05
Air France–KLM Signs Strategic Partnership with CMA CGM

In May 2022, Air France–KLM entered into a strategic partnership with CMA CGM to enhance their air cargo capabilities. This collaboration involved CMA CGM acquiring a 9% stake in AF-KLM, but it was later terminated in January 2024.

2023-07-12
Air France–KLM Announces Reverse Stock Split

On July 12, 2023, Air France–KLM declared a 10-for-1 reverse stock split and an ISIN change scheduled for August 31, 2023.

2024-01-10
Air France-KLM Receives First Airbus A320neo

Air France-KLM has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo, which will be operated by Transavia France.

2024-01-16
Commercial Cooperation in Air Cargo between Air France-KLM and CMA CGM

Air France-KLM and CMA CGM have evolved their commercial cooperation in air cargo.

2024-03-26
Inauguration of Air&Rail Terminal in Brussels Midi Station

Air France and KLM inaugurated a new Air&Rail Terminal in Brussels Midi Station, marking a significant development in their operations.

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Air France–KLM
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