According to Jean Marc JanaillacChairman and CEO of Air France-KLM and President of Air France, 2017 was a source of satisfaction: " We approached 100 million passengersThis represents an increase in traffic of 5.65 %, higher than the initial forecasts, against a backdrop of increasingly strong competition from the Gulf carriersthe low costWe are also facing competition from traditional Asian and American airlines, not to mention competition from the railways. We have strengthened our long-haul business through our joint ventures, such as the partnership between Air France-KLM, Delta and China Eastern, and our new partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and Jet Airways. ".
Above all, Air France management is particularly proud of the successful launch of its "New Generation" airline: JOON. " We have succeeded in setting up a new carrier in just a few months, and the initial feedback from customers has been excellent. This is a new dynamic for our group, which will be amplified with the launch of JOON's first long-haul routes this spring. "said Franck TernerChief Executive Officer of Air France.
This summer, JOON will be serving half a dozen destinations. Fortaleza and Mahé will be the Group's major new routes, with the addition of new routes to Cape Town, Cairo and Teheran. " There are many avenues we are exploring to integrate JOON into our development. It's possible that the company could also fly long-haul from Amsterdam and also serve popular leisure destinations such as Bali. "said Pieter ElbersChairman of the KLM Management Board.
Air France-KLM will continue its network growth offensive in 2018. The Group has just announced the opening of routes from Paris on Bergen, Cork and Wroclaw. The company also confirms its return to Nairobi and Taipei this summer. Both destinations will be linked to Paris CDG with three frequencies per week.
Another aspect of the Group's development: Transaviawhich finally made a profit last year and enjoys an excellent public image. The low-cost carrier will launch four routes from Lyon (Catania, Djerba, Malaga and Palermo), Nantes (Casablanca, Catania, Djerba and Rome) and Paris Orly (Alicante, Olbia and Rabat).
Group management also confirmed relaunched its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme with a mileage-based fare system and the revitalisation of its airport lounge offer. More details on Air France's short-term future will be provided in the Group's new five-year strategic plan, which will be presented in June.
