Air France–KLM mergerOn 30 September 2003, Air France and Netherlands-based KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced the merger of the two airlines, with the new company to be known as Air France–KLM. The merger took place on 5 May 2004.
People Also Ask
The offer was successful as 89.2% of the shares were tendered by KLM shareholders. The merger gave birth to the world's largest airline company,5 called Air France-KLM. Analysts termed the merger 'unique. ' Despite the union, both companies would keep their brands alive by flying their planes in their respective names.
If you've flown Air France or KLM in the past two decades, you may already know that these two airlines merged in 2004. The Air France-KLM Group flies routes globally from two of the largest hubs in Europe: Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol. Both of the airlines are part of the SkyTeam alliance.
KLM, Dutch airline founded on Oct. 7, 1919, and flying its first scheduled service, between Amsterdam and London, on May 17, 1920. Until its merger with Air France in 2004, it was the world's oldest continuously operating airline. Headquarters are at Amstelveen, Neth.
Why merge? The merger made sense for many reasons, not least to reduce cost in both airlines. Strategically, KLM's senior management had concluded that there was only room in Europe for three main airline groups. To survive, it needed to align itself with either British Airways, Lufthansa or Air France.
In 2004 Air France acquired the Dutch airline KLM to create Air France–KLM Group, one of the largest air carriers in the world. The deal, however, allowed the two airlines to continue to operate as separate companies, retaining their own hubs, flights, and logos.
KLM, officially known as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, holds the prestigious title of being the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name. Founded on October 7th, 1919, by a visionary group led by Dutch pilot Albert Plesman (1889–1953), KLM has a rich history that spans over a century.
KLM, abbreviation of Koninklijke Luchtvaartmaatschappij NV (Dutch: Royal Air Transportation Company), English: Royal Dutch Airlines, Dutch airline founded on Oct. 7, 1919, and flying its first scheduled service, between Amsterdam and London, on May 17, 1920.
KLM, officially known as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, holds the prestigious title of being the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name. Founded on October 7th, 1919, by a visionary group led by Dutch pilot Albert Plesman (1889–1953), KLM has a rich history that spans over a century.
Enjoy extra-long lie-flat beds, Michelin-worthy meals, and enough space for a yoga session. Stepping into Air France's new business cabin is like checking into a mini luxury hotel suite in the sky.
Private shareholders own 81.4% of the company with 37% held by former Air France shareholders and 21% held by former KLM shareholders. The Government of France owns the remaining 15.9%.
Flying Blue is the joint loyalty programme of Air France, KLM, Transavia, Aircalin and TAROM. Members can earn Miles during their trips with Air France, KLM, and their partner airlines or when purchasing services from non-airline partners (hotel chains, car rental companies, etc.).