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.

While they are part of the same parent company (Air France-KLM), they operate as two distinct brands with very different personalities and hubs. KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) is based at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and is known for its efficient, pragmatic, and "blue" branding. It has a reputation for being more punctual and having a more informal, friendly service style. Air France is based at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and leans into a "red, white, and blue" luxury aesthetic, focusing heavily on French "art de vivre," high-fashion crew uniforms, and premium gastronomy (including champagne even in Economy on long-haul flights). KLM’s fleet is predominantly Boeing, while Air France has a larger mix with more Airbus aircraft. Culturally, KLM is often seen as the more "business-logic" airline, while Air France is the "prestige" carrier. Interestingly, KLM is the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name, while Air France represents the pinnacle of European sky-high elegance and culinary tradition.