Thalys and KLM have signed a cooperation agreement to develop their Air/Rail product in order to continue to be a more attractive alternative for passengers. In particular, the aim is to increase the number of customers taking the train from Brussels to Amsterdam Schiphol airport and then take a KLM flight.
For some time now, KLM has been offering the possibility of travelling from Brussels to Schiphol on a TGV branded Thalys and then flying from there (or vice versa). This option had already been successful before the covid pandemic. Antil 2020, around 20 to 25 % of transfer passengers will choose the Air/Rail product..
Thalys and KLM now want to boost this percentage. All the while keeping an eye on the substantial savings in fuel costs and reduced emissions that a rail route brings compared with air travel. The upgrading of the existing air/rail product makes a daily feeder flight between Schiphol and Brussels superfluous.
"KLM wants to reduce emissions by offering rail as an alternative short-haul flights–letters. This new development of the Air/Rail product with Thalys is a step towards the the right direction. Linking the two networks at Schiphol to enable fast connections, efficient and comfortable is an evolutionaryon positive. This cooperation with Thalys is in line with our vision of intermodality" , explains Boet Kreiken, Executive Vice President Customer Experience at KLM.
Many areas for improvement
Enhanced KLM/Thalys product to come into effect from 17 July. It will then include :
● the integrated train and flight reservations
The new Air/Rail tickets are now available for booking on KLM.com, for dates of travel from 17 July 2022. Customers can therefore book their entire trip via KLM and, when booking, opt for the comfort and durability of the Thalys instead of a connection air.
● the simplified registration
KLM customers can nowis to check in at Brussels station–Midi and receive their cards boarding passes for their entire journey, both by train and by plane.
● l'optimising information and l'customer experience
In the event of disruption, customers are informed by KLM and reassigned, whether by train or by plane. They also receive information from KLM on travel arrangements and transfers.
The Air/Rail product will continue to evolve to better meet customer needs. To respond KLM and Thalys are already working on two other value-added services. The first is an integrated luggage solutionfor a hassle-free transfer. The second is a dedicated queue for Thalys travellers for greater efficiency at Schiphol airport.
And Bertrand Gosselin, CEO of Thalyshe added: " In this way, we are building the connecting journey of the future, combining train and flight. intercontinental. "
