Tag Archives: Transavia

Air France-KLM announce their 2017 summer schedule

For the 2017 summer season (from 26 March to 28 October 2017), Air France-KLM is continuing its growth by launching 53 new routes. The group is increasing capacity by 2.9% compared to the previous summer season*, with growth driven by the long-haul passenger network (+ 2%), the medium and short-haul passenger network (+ 2.7%) and Transavia’s low-cost activity (+ 10.2%).

53 new routes**

On its long-haul network, Air France-KLM is operating 9 new routes**:

3 destinations on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle operated by Air France: Accra (Ghana), Cancun (Mexico) and Cape Town (South Africa).
6 destinations on departure from Amsterdam-Schiphol operated by KLM: Cartagena (Colombia), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Minneapolis (United States), Monrovia (Liberia), Tehran (Iran) and Windhoek (Namibia).

On its medium and short-haul network, the group will operate 25 new routes**:

5 destinations on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle operated by Air France: Agadir and Marrakech (Morocco), Milan-Malpensa (Italy), Palma de Mallorca (Spain) and Porto (Portugal).
10 destinations on departure from Amsterdam-Schiphol operated by KLM: Cagliari and Catania (Italy), Dublin (Ireland), Milan-Malpensa (Italy), Gdansk (Poland), Graz (Austria), London-City Airport (UK), Malaga (Spain), Porto (Portugal) and Split (Croatia).
10 destinations on departure from the French regions operated by HOP! Air France:
On departure from Marseille: Athens (Greece), Ibiza (Spain) and Stockholm (Sweden);
On departure from Nice: Athens (Greece) and Tel Aviv (Israel);
On departure from Bordeaux: Copenhagen (Denmark) and Frankfurt (Germany);
On departure from Toulouse: Athens (Greece) and Malta;
On departure from Montpellier and Castres: Ibiza (Spain).

Finally, Transavia is continuing its development by launching 19 new routes**:

10 destinations on departure from Amsterdam-Schiphol: Almeria (Spain), Belgrade (Serbia), Helsinki (Finland), Katowice (Poland), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Munich (Germany), Reus (Spain), Sofia (Bulgaria), Tirana (Albania) and Zurich (Switzerland).
5 destinations on departure from Rotterdam: Bergerac (France), Pisa (Italy), Pula (Croatia), Valencia (Spain) and Venice (Italy).
1 destination on departure from Eindhoven: Stockholm (Sweden).
3 destinations on departure from Paris-Orly: Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Tangiers (Morocco) and Tivat (Montenegro).

Continued improvement of the fleet and services

This summer, the fleet modernization and the improvement of the group’s products and services are continuing with the arrival of 4 new Boeing 787 and the deployment of the new long-haul cabins on board 4 Boeing 777.

Copyright Photo Above: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner PH-BHC (msn 38760) AMS (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 932928.

KLM Aircraft Slide Show:

At the end of the 2017 summer season, Air France-KLM will have a total of 13 Boeing 787 in its fleet:

10 aircraft operated by KLM will fly to 18 destinations, partially or totally operated by the airline: Cape Town (South Africa), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto (Canada), Chengdu, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xiamen (China), Bogota, Cartagena (Colombia), Atlanta, New York, Salt Lake City, San Francisco (United States), Delhi (India) and Osaka (Japan).
3 aircraft operated by Air France will fly to 4 long-haul destinations: Cairo (Egypt), Montreal (Canada) and Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) as a continuation of the flight to Bamako (Mali) as from 9 October 2017.

At the end of the 2017 summer season, KLM’s entire fleet of Boeing 747, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787, or 53 aircraft, will be equipped with the latest World Business Class cabins.

By the end of the summer season, Air France will offer 44 Boeing 777 equipped with its latest travel cabins on its long-haul network; 19 Boeing 777-300 and 25 Boeing 777-200, or the entire Boeing 777-200 fleet, as well as 3 Boeing 787 aircraft.

Long-haul: + 2%

North America: increased capacity to the United States and Mexico

On March 27, 2017, KLM will launch the Amsterdam-Schiphol – Minneapolis/St. Paul (United States) route, the largest cities in Minnesota. The route will be operated three times a week, in addition to a daily flight operated by Air France on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and three daily flights operated by Delta between Amsterdam-Schiphol and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Air France Aircraft Slide Show:

Air France is reinforcing the Paris-Charles de Gaulle – New York-JFK route by operating a second Airbus A380 on a daily basis. In total, Air France-KLM, together with Alitalia and Delta Air Lines, will offer 77 weekly services on departure from Paris and Amsterdam to New York-JFK as part of the vast transatlantic joint venture.

In Mexico, Air France will continue to serve Cancun with 3 weekly flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, a route previously operated only in winter.

Central and South America and the Caribbean: strong growth to Cuba

In Cuba, Air France-KLM is accompanying the market’s strong growth by offering 18 flights a week to Havana; six additional flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (11 weekly frequencies operated by Air France) and Amsterdam-Schiphol (7 weekly frequencies operated by KLM).

In Colombia, KLM is suspending services to Cali and will offer Cartagena as a new destination from Amsterdam-Schiphol, as a continuation of the Amsterdam-Schiphol – Bogota flight.

KLM will continue to serve Saint Martin with 3 weekly non-stop flights to replace the Saint Martin – Curaçao – Amsterdam-Schiphol route.

Middle East and India: growth to Iran

Taking advantage of the expansion of the Iranian market, the group will continue to offer 7 weekly flights to Tehran: 4 weekly frequencies operated by KLM from Amsterdam-Schiphol and 3 weekly frequencies operated by Air France from Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Air France-KLM is adapting its capacity in Egypt by suspending the Amsterdam-Schiphol – Cairo route, while maintaining a strong presence in this market with the deployment of Air France’s first Boeing 787.

KLM will be adjusting its flight schedule to the Middle East with the suspension of the service to Doha (Qatar) as of 25 March 2017. Instead, KLM will be increasing capacity to Bahrain by operating six weekly frequencies. Muscat (Oman) will be operated as a continuation of the flight to Dammam (Saudi Arabia), providing better connections at the group’s hub in Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Asia: consolidating our position

Air France is continuing its development to India by reinforcing its offer to Bangalore (1 additional weekly flight) and Mumbai (20% additional seats per day).

During the 2017 summer season, KLM will serve Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) with three additional weekly flights. These flights will be operated in addition to the daily Amsterdam-Schiphol-Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta (Indonesia) route.

In Greater China, passengers to and from Hong Kong will benefit daily from the latest long-haul cabins on board Air France’s Boeing 777-300 on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle throughout the 2017 summer season.

KLM and China Airlines are strengthening their cooperation by offering a direct flight operated by China Airlines between Taipei and Amsterdam-Schiphol, in continuation of the 2016-17 winter season. Thanks to a capacity-sharing agreement, KLM will be able to offer its customers 11 weekly flights.

Africa and Indian Ocean: strengthening the offer of destinations on an expanding market

KLM will operate 3 weekly services from Amsterdam-Schiphol to Freetown (Sierra Leone) and Monrovia (Liberia). Flights to Freetown will be offered in addition to Air France services. Monrovia is a new destination for the group.

In South Africa, Air France will extend services to Cape Town, previously operated only in the winter.

In Ghana, Air France will operate flights to Accra, inaugurated on 28 February 2017, with 3 flights a week from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. This new offer is in addition to the KLM services operated from Amsterdam-Schiphol, bringing the Group’s offer to 10 weekly flights. This new service will provide optimized connections for customers connecting to and from North America and Europe.

Finally, in continuation of the winter season, KLM will operate 3 weekly flights from Amsterdam-Schiphol to Windhoek (Namibia), as a continuation of the flight to Luanda (Angola).

Medium and short-haul: + 2.7%

With increased capacity, the group is once again demonstrating its agility on the European network and is expanding its offer with 25 new routes this summer.

On departure from the hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol

On departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Air France will launch flights to Marrakech and Agadir (Morocco), Palma de Mallorca (Spain) and Porto (Portugal). This new offer is in line with Air France-KLM’s offensive strategy as part of its Trust Together project. The growth of the group’s fleet combined with a more intensive use of its aircraft allows it to offer new destinations in Europe during the peak summer period.

On departure from Amsterdam-Schiphol, KLM will launch flights to Cagliari and Catania (Italy), Gdansk (Poland), Graz (Austria), London-City Airport (UK), Malaga (Spain), Porto (Portugal), and Split Croatia). In continuation of the winter 2016-17 season, KLM will continue to serve Dublin (Ireland).

Air France and KLM will resume service to Milan-Malpensa with 5 and 4 daily frequencies respectively from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol, in addition to 2 daily flights connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Milan-Linate and a daily flight connecting Amsterdam-Schiphol to Milan-Linate.

On departure from Paris-Orly and the French regions

On the HOP! Air France network, in continuation of the 2016-17 winter season, 10 daily flights will be operated to Montpellier, the fifth La Navette destination on departure from Paris-Orly after Toulouse, Bordeaux, Marseille and Nice.

Hop Aircraft Slide Show:

On departure from the French provinces, to meet the high demand in the busy summer months, Air France will operate direct flights to Athens (Greece), Ibiza (Spain) and Stockholm (Sweden) from Marseille, to Athens (Greece) and Tel Aviv (Israel) from Nice, to Athens (Greece) and Malta from Toulouse, to Copenhagen (Denmark) and Frankfurt (Germany) from Bordeaux and to Ibiza (Spain) from Montpellier and Castres.

In addition, capacity will also be increased to Corsica, which will be served on departure from 16 French regional cities: Aurillac, Bordeaux, Brive, Caen, Castres, Clermont-Ferrand, La Rochelle, Lille, Metz-Nancy, Nantes, Quimper, Pau, Poitiers, Rennes, Strasbourg and Toulouse.

Copyright Photo: Transavia Airlines (Netherlands) Boeing 737-8K2 WL PH-HSK (msn 41330) BFI (Joe G. Walker). Image: 930150.

Transavia (Netherlands Slide Show:

Transavia: + 10.2%

This summer, Transavia will be offering 19 new routes**:

10 on departure from Amsterdam-Schiphol: Almeria (Spain), Belgrade (Serbia), Helsinki (Finland), Katowice (Poland), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Munich (Germany), Reus, (Spain), Sofia (Bulgaria), Tirana (Albania) and Zurich (Switzerland).
5 on departure from Rotterdam: Bergerac (France), Pisa (Italy), Pula (Croatia), Valencia (Spain) and Venice (Italy).
1 on departure from Eindhoven: Stockholm (Sweden).
3 on departure from Paris-Orly: Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Tangiers (Morocco) and Tivat (Montenegro).

Air France-KLM’s low-cost activity will offer a total of 133 destinations in 36 countries. 7 new Boeing 737-800 will join the fleet for a total of 70 aircraft.

In this way, Transavia, which is growing rapidly, is continuing its development on departure from France and the Netherlands. On departure from Paris-Orly, Transavia is strengthening its offer to Israel and Morocco. From Amsterdam-Schiphol, Transavia is developing new markets to the Eastern European countries.

* Capacity measured in available seat-kilometres compared to the 2016 summer schedule

**Compared to the 2016 summer season.

Transavia France introduces its new Bostik adhesives logo jet

Transavia France (Paris) has issued this statement about its new Bostik Boeing 737-800 logo jet:

For the first time in France, a Boeing 737-800 from the fleet of Air France-KLM subsidiary, Transavia, features a unique livery and logo which will promote Bostik’s new branding and identity across Europe. This unique contract between two French companies with international ambitions and operations highlights the expertise of Bostik, a specialist in adhesives for aerospace applications.

According to the airline, “With a 250 square-meter airborne display of its new graphic identity, Bostik has people talking and has demonstrated that when it comes to performance, the sky’s the limit. The international manufacturer of adhesives for the industrial, construction and consumer markets unveiled the re-branded Boeing 737-800 airplane today during a press conference at Orly airport in advance of the aircraft’s inaugural flight.

Bostik and its parent company, Arkema, will use this high-profile Europe-wide campaign to promote their expertise in the adhesives and materials used by aircraft manufacturers which are designed to meet the industry’s exacting specifications.
Top-flight innovation from a leader in adhesives

As a partner to the aerospace industry since 1954, Bostik has developed numerous adhesive solutions designed specifically for aircraft applications. Although invisible to passengers, these high-technology products play a critical role in safety and comfort, helping to ease cabin vibration during take-off and landing and reducing noise throughout the flight. Bostik became a member the Arkema family in early 2015. Together, the two companies offer a broad array of products for the aerospace industry, including innovative solutions to join difficult materials, strengthen others and reduce aircraft weight.

The “Bostik airplane” will fly to 47 destinations in Europe in 20 different countries until the end of November 2015, making two round-trip flights per day. In all, 145,000 passengers will travel on the Bostik airplane over the next six months and millions of others will have a chance to admire it at Orly Sud, its main hub, and during layovers.

Bostik became a member of Arkema in February 2015 and accounts for 25% of the Group’s business. Bostik is a leading global adhesive specialist in industrial manufacturing, construction and consumer markets. For more than 125 years, we have been developing innovative adhesive solutions that are smarter and more adaptive to the forces that shape our daily lives. From cradle to office and from home to worksite, Bostik’s smart adhesives can be found everywhere. With 2014 sales of €1.5 billion, the company employs 4,900 people and has a presence in more than fifty countries.

Copyright Photo: Manuel Negrerie/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8K2 F-GZHG (msn 30650) in the new Bostik special livery arrives at the Paris (Orly) Base.

Transavia France aircraft slide show:

Transavia introduces a new bright and whimsical look

Transavia Airlines (Netherlands) (Amsterdam) and Transavia France (Paris-Orly) have introduced a new brighter shade of green and white livery, ten years after the last change. The new makeover by Studio Dumbar redesigns the “t” logo and the new style font titles also drop the .com.

The company is advertising the change as “the new Transavia”.

Read how the new brand was developed by Studio Dumbar: CLICK HERE

Images below: Studio Dunbar.

All images by Transavia:

Transavia (Netherlands) aircraft slide show:

Video: The unveiling of the new brand:

Air France and KLM announce their schedule changes for the winter season

Air France (Paris) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) have issued details of their winter schedule from October 26 through March 28, 2015. Overall group capacity will only increase by 0.7 percent as Air France tries to recover from its devastating pilot strikes. However Transavia will see a 13.3 percent increase in capacity as the group tries to drive more operations to the lower cost divisions. Air France is cutting dome domestic AF services with the goal of breaking even by 2017. Here is the full report:

For the 2014-15 winter season (from October 26, 2014 to March 28, 2015), Air France-KLM Group capacity is scheduled to increase by 0.7%, with an increase of 0.1% for passenger operations(Air France, KLM and HOP!) and 13.3% for low-cost leisure operations (Transavia in France and the Netherlands).

Short and medium-haul capacity at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol hubs will increase slightly (+3.1%). In the same way as last summer, point-to-point short and medium-haul capacity will continue to decrease (-11.3%). Transavia capacity will increase by +13.3%, with growth concentrated on the French market (+56%).

Air France-KLM has chosen to move upmarket with the progressive introduction of new products and services of the highest global standards.

On the long-haul network, 22 Boeing 747-400s have been equipped with KLM’s new World Business Class and 777-200s will be finished before the summer of 2015, followed by implementing the new World Business Class in the 777-300s. By the end of 2016 about 80% of the KLM fleet will be done. Air France continues to roll out its new Best cabins: five Air France Boeing 777s will be equipped by end-2014. Flights to New York, Singapore and Jakarta have already been equipped with these brand new products. Services to Tokyo-Haneda, Shanghai, Dubai, Houston, Sao Paulo, Douala and Malabo will gradually be added to this list in winter 2014.

Furthermore, this winter the Company will operate two new destinations by Airbus A380: Miami and Abidjan, in addition to Los Angeles, New York, Johannesburg, Hong Kong and Shanghai already served by the super jumbo this summer.

Long-haul: + 0.3%

On the long-haul network, Air France-KLM Group capacity is up slightly compared with winter 2013-14 at +0.3%.

On the North American network, capacity is up +2.4% compared with winter 2013-14

KLM is once again increasing capacity to Atlanta, from 7 to 12 weekly flights, in response to market demand. These new frequencies will facilitate connections with the Delta Air Lines network in Atlanta, one of the main hubs served by the Air France-KLM partner.

The Air France Airbus A380 will be flying the Miami route as from early December. Three U.S. destinations will thus be operated this winter by the A380 on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle – New-York-JFK, Los Angeles and Miami.

In Mexico, KLM will increase its frequencies to Mexico City, from 7 to 9 weekly flights in November and December, in line with seasonal demand. Air France capacity on a code-share basis with Aeromexico is increasing with 13 new destinations in Mexico and Central America on departure from Mexico City.

In Central and South America, Group capacity is up +1.1%.

Air France continues to serve Brasilia (Brazil) three times a week and Montevideo (Uruguay) is served daily in continuation of Buenos Aires (Argentina). The Company is increasing capacity to Panama City, increasing from three to five weekly frequencies by B777-200 and benefits from Copa’s Central American hub thanks to the commercial agreement between the two airlines.

Air France-KLM continues its close cooperation with the Brazilian airline GOL in order to take advantage of its joint network in the region and offer its customers improved connecting opportunities with the Brazilian domestic network this winter.

In the Caribbean, Air France-KLM capacity is revised downwards (-2.2%). Between mid-December and mid-January, Air France will operate 13 weekly flights (instead of 14) to Pointe-à-Pitre and 11 weekly flights (instead of 14) to Fort-de-France. KLM will increase capacity in the Caribbean in response to increasing demand for these destinations.

In Asia, Group capacity is up slightly at +0.7%.

In continuation of the summer schedule, Air France is continuing to serve Tokyo-Haneda airport up to 11 times per week in addition to the daily flight to Tokyo-Narita, providing connecting opportunities to Noumea (New Caledonia). Services to Jakarta (Indonesia) in continuation of the Singapore flight are also maintained on a daily basis.

To take advantage of the seasonal nature of certain destinations, Air France is increasing capacity during the peak winter season between mid-December and mid-March to Bangkok (Thailand) (one daily flight) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) (addition of a fourth frequency).

In China, capacity to Wuhan is being increased by one weekly frequency, with three weekly flights. Guangzhou will be served by four weekly flights.

KLM continues to cooperate with its Asian partners to offer customers a wider choice of connecting flights and even more destinations in Asia.

Africa: capacity slightly down by -0.8%

In Africa, Group capacity is slightly down to -0.8%.

Air France is adjusting its flight offering and reinforcing its most buoyant routes such as Abidjan (Ivory Coast), with the entry into service of the A380, and Pointe Noire (Congo) with the introduction of a sixth weekly frequency.

In East Africa, KLM is reorganizing its network to adapt it to specific market expectations. Capacity to Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Entebbe (Uganda) is up. The two cities are now served directly three times a week. On the other days, they are served via Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and Kigali (Rwanda) respectively. KLM has suspended direct service to Harare (Zimbabwe) and Lusaka (Zambia). These two destinations remain in the Group’s capacity and are currently served by Kenya Airways via Nairobi (Kenya).

In the Indian Ocean region, Air France-KLM is adjusting capacity (-2.8%). From mid-December to mid-January, Air France will offer 11 flights to Reunion island (instead of 12) and an additional flight to Mauritius.

Middle East: capacity down by -5.2%

In the Middle East, Air France-KLM capacity is down by -5.2%. KLM is again increasing capacity to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) in combination with Bahrein, as a result of its optimized cooperation with Etihad Airways, Air France-KLM’s partner. KLM will serve this destination using an Airbus 330-300, instead of an A330-200. Dubai will be served by the Air France B777-300 equipped with the new Best cabins in early 2015.

Medium-haul

On the medium-haul network, the 2014-15 winter season sees the full effect of the measures of the Transform 2015 plan.

On departure from the Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol hubs: capacity increases by +3.1%
Air France and KLM continue to serve the routes launched this summer: on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Stavanger (Norway) with two daily frequencies; on departure from Amsterdam-Schiphol, two daily flights to Turin (Italy), one daily flight to Bilbao (Spain) and Zagreb (Croatia).

KLM strengthens its position in Scandinavia by increasing frequencies to Bergen (Noway) with three daily flights and five daily flights to Billund (Denmark). KLM will also increase capacity to Moscow (Russia) and Bordeaux with three daily flights.

Air France aims to better seize connecting opportunities to the rest of the world and maintain capacity adapted to variations in demand between winter and summer: for example, one daily frequency is being suspended to Munich (Germany), Bucharest (Romania), Moscow (Russia), Rome (Italy) and Bremen (Germany).

On departure from Paris-Orly and the French provinces: capacity down by -11.3%
This winter, point-to-point short and medium-haul capacity (Air France, HOP!) is down by -11.3%. Seasonal adjustments are more pronounced, with the aim to return to operational breakeven by 2017.

On departure from Paris-Orly, Air France suspends one daily flight to Bordeaux and two daily frequencies to Toulouse. From the provinces, structural adjustments continue, notably with the suspension of several destinations in Europe and North Africa on departure from Toulouse and Marseille.

HOP! capacity is slightly up in France and to major European cities on departure from the French provinces. With its 26 destinations, Lyon is the Company’s main base, giving customers from the French regions access to a vast network of connecting flights.

Low-cost leisure operations

Transavia: strong increase in capacity of +13.3%

Transavia France, a low-cost subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group, will continue to develop as outlined in the Transform 2015 plan. During the 2014-15 winter season, Transavia France will operate nine new routes launched this year on departure from Paris-Orly – Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Budapest, Madrid, Malaga, Barcelona, Athens, Pisa and Prague. On departure from Lyon, Transavia will also inaugurate a service to Tel Aviv as from October 2014.

Copyright Photo: Christian Volpati Collection/AirlinersGallery.com. As previously reported, Air France is bringing the Airbus A380 to Miami this winter. A380-861 F-HPJI (msn 115) taxies at the Paris (CDG) hub with the special 80 And (Years) markings.

Air France:

KLM:

Air France Aircraft Slide Show:

Air France backs off on its Transavia project hoping the pilots will come back to work

Air France (Paris-CDG) is somewhat backing off on its previous proposal to expand the operations of subsidiary Transavia France (Paris-Orly) and Transavia Europe in the hoe the pilots will end their strikes. The on-going strike by the pilots is taking its toll financially.

The company issued this statement yesterday:

On the tenth day of a strike that is heavily penalizing Air France, its customers and its staff, Company management is making the following proposal to promote the rapid resolution of the conflict:

1. Immediate withdrawal of the Transavia Europe project,

2. The further development of Transavia France in competitive economic conditions and accompanied by the safeguards as discussed in the negotiations so far,

3. In these conditions, Air France Management calls on the pilots to return to work immediately.

This balanced proposal meets the unions’ requirements by providing a renewed guarantee that there will be no relocation.

It preserves the Transavia development project, a “made in France” solution to face the competition from foreign low-cost carriers and conquer this rapidly-expanding market.

It meets the needs of employees who want their company to get back on track.

It enables us to find an immediate outcome to this destructive conflict.

Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and CEO of Air France-KLM, and Frédéric Gagey, Chairman and CEO of Air France, declared: “Our Transavia project is a 100% pro-France project. It is about developing Transavia to encourage growth in France and quickly create more than 1,000 jobs in France (including 250 pilot jobs). With the withdrawal of the Transavia Europe project, there is now no reason to strike because there are no longer any concerns about relocation. We therefore call on the striking pilots to return to work immediately.”

Meanwhile for tomorrow, Air France expects to operate 48% of its flights on Friday September 26, 2014, given an estimated 58% of pilots are planning to strike tomorrow.

Copyright Photo: SPA/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A321-212 F-GTAN (msn 3051) gracefully climbs away from London’s Heathrow Airport.

Air France:

Air France-KLM to retire the Martinair McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighters in 2015 and 2016, will expand Transavia leisure flights

Air France (Paris) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) (Air France-KLM Group) issued this statement about its shrinking and unprofitable freighter fleet including Martinair‘s (Amsterdam) McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter fleet:

At its meeting on September 4, 2014, the Air France-KLM Board of Directors examined the findings of the strategic review of its full-freighter operations which was launched earlier this year.

On top of the ongoing reduction of the full-freighter fleet, and facing a slower than expected recovery in demand, the Board of Directors has decided to reduce the full-freighter fleet based in Amsterdam to 3 aircraft in operation by the end of 2016. Five MD-11s will be phased out on an accelerated basis during 2015 and 2016.

By then, the Group will operate five full-freighter aircraft: 2 Boeing 777Fs in Paris and 3 Boeing 747 ERFs in Amsterdam, compared with a total of 14 in 2013.

The group intends to find alternative employment internally for all affected staff. It will engage in consultations on this matter with the Works Council and trade unions of the companies involved.

The Group will remain a major player in the cargo sector in Europe through its extensive belly network effectively supplemented by a limited number of full-freighter aircraft.

This adjustment of the full-freighter fleet is part of a broader strategic vision designed to increase cargo contribution to the group. Other measures include a strong focus on specialized products such as pharmaceuticals and express, as well as investment in state-of-the-art IT infrastructure and E-developments, further cost reduction and expansion of partnerships.

In other news, the Air France-KLM Group will expand its leisure operations under the Transavia brand with new bases outside of Paris and Amsterdam. The Group issued this statement:

At its meeting on September 4, 2014, as proposed by its Chairman and CEO Alexandre de Juniac, the Air France-KLM Board of Directors approved the group’s development project on the leisure market in Europe.

This development will take place under the Transavia brand from the two existing airlines – Transavia France and Transavia the Netherlands – and new bases will be opened in other European countries.

This project will strengthen the development of Transavia France (Paris) and Transavia Airlines (Amsterdam) in the Netherlands. The terms of these developments are the subject of consultations in both countries.

The group is positioning itself as a major player in this rapidly growing market in Europe.

This project is part of the group’s new plan for growth and competitiveness, Perform 2020, which will be presented in details to investors and to the press on September 11.

Air France-KLM have also unveiled its new “Perform 2020” program which replaces its “Transform 2015” program. Here is the formal plan:

Air France-KLM unveiled its new Perform 2020 strategic plan.

Perform 2020 is the successor to Transform 2015, which represented the first phase in the Group’s turnaround. While maintaining the imperatives of competitiveness and the ongoing strengthening of the Group’s financial position, this growth plan will focus on the following three strategic areas:

 Selective development to increase exposure to growth markets
 A product and services upgrade targeting the highest international level
 An ongoing improvement in competitiveness and efficiency within the framework of strictfinancial disciplineAir France-KLM’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alexandre de Juniac, made the following comments:
“Transform 2015 will be completed by the year end having fully delivered on its objective of significantly improving the Group’s competitiveness and delivering a €1 billion-plus reduction in costs. Perform 2020, the strategic plan we are launching today, will be supported by two main levers: growth, which we are looking to capture in a number of areas, and competitiveness combined with financial discipline which should continue to ensure firm foundations for the development of Air France-KLM. This is why the ambitious initiatives we are launching today will go hand in hand with redoubled efforts to reduce costs and restructure activities which remain loss-making. By 2020, we will have built an air transport Group focused on a leading long-haul network at the heart of global alliances, with a portfolio of unique brands, restructured short and medium-haul operations with a reinforced presence in the low cost segment in Europe, leadership positions in cargo, maintenance and catering, and a significantly improved risk profile both operationally and financially.”

1 See definition in appendix
2 At constant currency, fuel price and pension cost

Business review

In an environment which remains challenging but with profitable growth opportunities across all the Group’s markets, Air France-KLM plans to reinforce its key strengths, namely its network, its products and services, and its brands, while adjusting its portfolio of activities.

The development of the passenger hub business based on an upgraded product offer, an increased customer focus and a stronger positioning of brands. Benefiting from the broadest long-haul network on departure from Europe, the Group will be able to continue to capture growth opportunites particularly via the reinforcement of strategic partnerships.

The Group will maintain strict capacity discipline with growth in passenger capacity expected to be around 1% to 1.5% for the 2015-2017 period.

The Group will continue to restructure its point-to-point operations, aiming at a return to operating breakeven by 2017. In addition to the full impact of the measures launched in 2013, this objective will be reached thanks to new initiatives to restructure the network and reduce costs, together with the creation of a single business unit combining HOP and the Air France point-to-point operations.

The accelerated development of Air France-KLM in the European leisure market, under the Transavia brand, based on the two existing companies – Transavia France and Transavia Netherlands – and new bases to be created in other European countries. In a growth market, the Group plans to build on the results achieved within the framework of Transform 2015 to move to a more pan-European scale. By 2017, Transavia will rank amongst the leading low cost carriers in Europe, operating a fleet of 100 aircraft and carrying more than 20 million passengers. This business should contribute an additional €100 million of EBITDAR in 2017. With profitability being impacted by ongoing ramp-up costs, the Group is targeting operating profits by 2018.

The finalization of cargo repositioning: a significant reduction in the full-freighter fleet, from 14 aircraft in operation in 2013 to 5 aircraft at the end of 2016, should enable this business to return to operating breakeven in 2017 (versus a loss of €110 million in 2013 and a €200 million loss including bellies). The group will maintain a small full-freighter fleet as an important commercial lever to support its revenue premium on bellies. The Group will remain a major player in the European cargo sector thanks to its extensive belly network, but with only very limited remaining exposure (15% of capacity) to full-freighter volatility.

The recent development of the maintenance business has proven successful, with increased profitability and rapid growth in the order book. The Group will pursue its growth in this segment, particularly in engines and components, including via targeted acquisitions. This business should generate an additional €50 million to €80 million of EBITDAR in 2017, depending on acquisitions.

From a selective capex management while adopting a disciplined approach to growth opportunities. financial perspective, Air France-KLM plans to pursue the reduction in its unit costs and The Group will leverage the structured approach implemented within the framework of Transform 2015 to maintain unit cost reduction at an annual rate of 1% to 1.5%. To achieve this target, the group will go beyond traditional efforts directed at reducing unit costs (e.g. reduction in external expenses, purchasing policy and renewal of the long-haul fleet). This will involve the ongoing restructuring of uncompetitive activities and implementing a systematic review of processes using benchmarking based on profit centers. It will also entail negotiating with staff on the achievement of productivity gains paving the way to growth.

A progressive increase in fleet capex will be undertaken within the framework of strict capex control. Investment will remain below its pre-2012 level. Dedicated sources of funding will be allocated to significant development opportunities to ensure control over credit ratios. For example, the first phase in Transavia expansion will be financed by the €339 million proceeds generated from the partial disposal of Amadeus shares on September 9.

Medium-term financial targets to 2017

As a result of all these initiatives, Air France-KLM has set itself the following Group financial targets:

 EBITDAR up by 8% to 10%5 per year between 2013 and 2017
 An adjusted net debt/EBITDAR4 ratio of below 2.5 in 2017
 Base businesses to consistently generate annual positive free cash flowThese targets are consistent with a ROCE of 9% to 11% in 2017.

Read the analysis by Bloomberg Businessweek: CLICK HERE

Top Copyright Photo: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. Martinair’s McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (F) PH-MCS (msn 48618) prepares to land at London’s Stansted Airport.

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KLM:

Martinair:

Transavia Airlines (Netherlands):

Transavia Airlines (France):

Bottom Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Transavia Airlines’ (Netherlands) Boeing 737-8K2 PH-HZA (msn 28373) with a Kulula underside taxies at the Amsterdam base.

Air France-KLM reduces its first half net loss to $824.6 million

Air France (Paris) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) reported a net loss of €614 million ($824.6 million), an improvement of €185 million ($248.4 million).

As part of the expanding Transavia lower-fare operations the Group issued this statement:

In the Second Quarter of 2014, Transavia capacity was up 4.8%, reflecting the accelerated development of Transavia France (up 10%) and the repositioning of Transavia Netherlands (up 3% including a 6% reduction in charter capacity). Traffic rose 6.0%, leading to a record high load factor of 90.7% (up 0.9 point). Unit revenue was down 1.7%. Transavia’s total revenue stood at 296 million euros, up 5.0%. The operating result was -6 million euros, down 3 million euros year-on-year.

In the First Half of 2014, Transavia traffic increased by 6.9% for capacity up 5.8%, leading to a 0.9 point increase in load factor to 89.2%. Unit revenue was down 2.6%. Total revenue stood at 435 million euros, up 4.5%, while the unit cost per ASK decreased by 0.8%, but increased by 0.5% on a constant currency basis. The operating result decreased by 10 million euros to -64 million euros, mainly due to the ramp up of Transavia France.

Overall the Group issued this outlook:

Delivery on the Transform 2015 plan is fully on track. However, as indicated at the beginning of the month, the operating environment remains tough, with industry overcapacity on certain long-haul routes, notably North America and Asia, impacting yields. This trend comes on top of the persistently weak cargo demand and the challenging situation in Venezuela already identified in the First Quarter.

Under these conditions, as indicated at the beginning of the month, 2014 EBITDA is expected to be between 2.2 and 2.3 billion euros. Strong capital discipline will enable the group to remain on track in terms of debt reduction and achieve its objective of 4.5 billion euros in net debt in 2015.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Top Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Air France’s Airbus A380-861 F-HPJE (msn 052) with the special logo to celebrate 50 years of France-China diplomatic relations.

Air France:

KLM:

Transavia (Netherlands):

Transavia (France):

Hop!:

Fleet Information:

Bottom Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 747-406 PH-BFF (msn 24202) completes its final approach to the runway at Toronto (Pearson).

Transavia Airlines to operate two Boeing 737-800s for Sunweb this summer

Transavia Airlines (Netherlands) (Amsterdam) is again planning to operate two Boeing 737-800s this summer season for Dutch tour operator Sunweb. A new color scheme has been developed on the pictured 737-8K2 PH-HZW (msn 29345).