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Bonjour, Riyadh! Air France opens direct gateway to Paris from Saudi
In a move that strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and France, Air France has announced the launch of direct flights between Riyadh and Paris Charles de Gaulle, starting May 20, 2025. The new service aims to enhance connectivity for business and leisure travelers, providing a seamless link between two of the world’s most dynamic capital cities. The airline will begin with three flights per week, before increasing to five weekly services in June to accommodate growing demand. The Riyadh-Paris route will be operated by the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900, a long-haul aircraft designed to offer enhanced passenger experience. With this new service, Air France strengthens its footprint in Saudi Arabia, a country experiencing remarkable growth in both tourism and business sectors. Stefan Gumuseli, General Manager of Air France-KLM India and the Middle East, emphasized the airline’s commitment to the Kingdom. He said: “Saudi Arabia remains a key market for the Air France-KLM Group, and this new service is a testament to our ongoing expansion in the region. Riyadh and Paris are both strategic hubs for business and leisure travel, and we are proud to provide more connectivity between these two cities and our wider global network.” Air France’s expansion in the country also aligns with its broader growth strategy in the region. With this launch, all three airlines under the Air France-KLM Group now operate flights to Saudi Arabia. KLM already connects Amsterdam-Schiphol to Riyadh and Dammam, while Transavia France offers services between Paris-Orly and Jeddah. The growing presence of the airline group in the region reflects the increasing demand for travel between Europe and the Middle East and reinforces France’s longstanding diplomatic, economic, and cultural relationship with Saudi Arabia. Beyond its role in expanding flight options, this new route is expected to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to develop the Kingdom into a leading global tourism and business destination. With Paris being a major gateway to Europe and a hub for connecting flights worldwide, the new Riyadh service will provide seamless connections to more than 190 destinations across Air France’s extensive network. The addition of Riyadh to Air France’s route map underscores the airline’s continued investment in high-growth markets and its confidence in Saudi Arabia’s potential as a key aviation hub. As demand for travel between the Middle East and Europe continues to rise, this new direct service is set to play a crucial role in fostering even closer ties between the two regions. The aircraft features 34 Business Class seats that convert into full-flat beds with direct aisle access, 24 Premium Economy seats offering added comfort, and 266 Economy seats with spacious layouts. Air France is known for its signature hospitality and attention to detail, ensuring that passengers enjoy a premium travel experience from takeoff to landing.
Accenture partners with Air France-KLM
Accenture is collaborating with Air France-KLM to transform and migrate the airline group’s existing digital applications to the cloud, moving away from its three proprietary data centers. The transition will enhance all operational functions across the organization, including passenger transport, cargo services and aircraft maintenance. This multi-year initiative aims to provide the airline group with increased agility, adapting the availability of resources in real time to ensure greater business resilience through cloud, data and AI, including generative AI (gen AI). As part of this work, Accenture and Air France-KLM have defined a common operating model with a governance process, allowing Accenture to co-lead the whole initiative. Together, they have established a cloud migration factory that uses predefined processes and reusable templates, enabling the simultaneous migration and transformation of Air France-KLM's existing applications in the cloud. This industrialized approach, combined with strong quality and delivery standards, has already led to the deployment of 350 applications with a high success rate, thereby fulfilling an ambitious delivery roadmap and allowing for a faster time-to-market of the applications. The transformation has made a positive impact on Air France-KLM’s operations by providing increased resilience. This new cloud infrastructure enables the airline group to access information in real time, supporting data-driven decision-making and stronger collaboration. This infrastructure was put to the test on the occasion of a recent sales campaign in France and the Netherlands during which the scalability of the cloud provided quick access to a large number of resources. “Together with Air France-KLM, we are building resilience and new growth opportunities by harnessing the power of cloud and gen AI,” said Sabine Bechelani, managing director for Travel and client account lead at Accenture. “This collaboration underscores our ability to help clients establish the digital core needed to successfully compete in the operationally complex and highly competitive market of air travel. As a result, we are enabling our clients to thrive and innovate with speed, efficiency and access to information.” “This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our ongoing digital transformation,” said Pierre-Olivier Bandet, Executive Vice President Information Systems, Air France-KLM. “By leveraging cloud and AI, we can build more flexible and efficient operations that enhance agility and performance across the organization. Our work with Accenture will help us unlock new opportunities to streamline processes, optimize decision-making, and leverage data to continuously improve the travel experience for millions of customers.”
AF001, Air France’s signature fragrance by Francis Kurkdjian
Credit: Laurent Humbert To create this fragrance, the airline called on the talents of Francis Kurkdjian, master perfumer and artistic director of Maison Francis Kurkdjian. This is yet another opportunity for Air France to showcase the excellence of French expertise all over the world. Starting on January 15, 2025, this home fragrance will gradually be introduced at the entrance to certain Air France lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, as a welcome gesture at the start of a journey. Customers will discover the fragrance in the lobby, the lounge, and the La Première suites, as well as in the lounges located in terminals 2E halls L and M, 2F and 2G. Air France will be gradually using the fragrance in its other lounges in Paris and around the world over the coming months. Evoking a feeling of space, calm and light, AF001 accompanies travelers in style. Its comforting musky scent, combined with mimosa from the south of France, adds a sunny, natural vibrancy. Created with hints of jasmine and rose, its delicate floral aura takes travelers on a real olfactory journey, capturing a specific moment in time. AF001, the first journey is a fragrance A reference to the legendary Concorde flights between New York and Paris in the late 1970s, the name AF001 immediately evokes the world of Air France and the codes specific to air travel. It also reminds travelers of their very first journey. ‘I'm very proud to have created Air France's first signature home fragrance,’ said Francis Kurkdjian. ‘It was the illusion of a ray of sunshine on the wings of an aircraft that inspired me to create this light, fresh and comforting home fragrance’. ‘The Air France travel experience now elevates all five senses: sight, with the haute couture uniforms of our staff, our cabin interiors, and the meticulous design of our lounges, taste with the delicious dishes on the menu on board, touch with the soft fabrics of our seats, sound with our playlists on board, and now smell with this prestigious signature fragrance’ added Fabien Pelous, SVP Customer Experience at Air France. The result of over two years' work, this fragrance reveals an additional sensorial experience that enhances the company's identity. It's the first part of a journey that celebrates the French art of living in its entirety.
Air France launches new direct Manila-Paris route
Air France formally launched a new thrice-weekly direct service between Manila and Paris last 8th December. This is the first time that Air France has had a direct route to the Philippine capital in two decades. To launch the revived route, Philippine transportation secretary Jaime J Bautista, tourism secretary Christina Frasco joined French ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel and Air France-KLM general manager for Southeast Asia and Oceania Femke Kroese at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to send off the first flight. Travellers arriving and departing on the new route were greeted at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport with floral garlands whilst being serenaded with traditional Filipino festival music. Kroese said of the airline’s return into Philippine airspace: “We are extremely proud of this new Air France service operating non-stop between Manila and Paris, three times weekly. Together with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the Air France-KLM group is the only European carrier with a daily service between Manila, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and Amsterdam-Schiphol.”
Rhenus joins Air France KLM Martinair Cargo SAF Programme
Global logistics service provider Rhenus has joined the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo SAF Programme, investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to help cut emissions in aviation. The initiative supports the company's sustainability efforts while offering customers the opportunity to reduce their emissions. Rhenus Air & Ocean head of sustainable air freight product development Frank Swart said of the initiative: "SAF is a cornerstone for the lower emissions future of air freight, helping us meet environmental goals while maintaining the efficiency and reliability that our customers rely on. This partnership reflects our dedication to addressing the environmental challenges of aviation through forward-thinking solutions." Taking an active role in aviation sustainability Rhenus’ participation in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Program launched by Air France KLM Martinair Cargo highlights the duty the company holds towards its customers to champion sustainability in the logistics industry. By investing in SAF, Rhenus not only takes a proactive role in addressing the environmental challenges of aviation but also supports the shift toward greener practices. This commitment reflects the company's dedication to delivering responsible and forward-thinking solutions, contributing to the long-term objective of reducing emissions and ensuring a more sustainable future for its partners and the planet. Making the most of available resources The Air France KLM Martinair Cargo SAF Program enables companies to contribute to the utilization and development of SAF for their shipments, derived from renewable sources such as waste oils and agricultural residues. The voluntary investment in SAF to support Air France KLM Martinair Cargo's efforts to scale its production and usage represents just one of the ways Rhenus drives a broader sustainability agenda. This approach not only reinforces the commitment of Rhenus to reducing emissions but also aligns with its mission to help customers advance their own sustainability goals. Complementing the SAF initiative are services like the Emission Dashboard, which tracks CO2e emissions, and Transport Mode Optimisation, including RHEGREEN: a calculation tool that evaluates aircraft types, fuel consumption, and distances to identify the most efficient options, enabling customers to lower their air freight emissions effectively.
Saudia partners with Air France-KLM
Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has entered into a significant partnership with Air France-KLM to boost and localize its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during a ceremony attended by prominent figures, including President Emmanuel Macron of France, Engr. Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, joined by Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, were present at the event.. The agreement was officially inked by Capt. Capt. The agreement was signed by Capt. The Managing Director of Saudia Technic, Fahd Cynndy, and Anne Brachet, Executive Vice President of Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, stated, “This agreement reflects the visionary leadership of the Saudia Group Board, led by its chairman, H.E. Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics. It aligns with the Saudi Aviation Strategy, spearheaded by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and demonstrates our commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s aviation sector.” Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM stated: “Saudia is a historic partner of Air France-KLM, and in the context of Saudi Arabia’s fast-paced development, we see a mutual interest in expanding our commercial cooperation and pooling our expertise, notably in the strategic MRO activity. Air France-KLM Engineering and Maintenance is already a leader in the field, and further cooperation with Saudia will unlock additional opportunities in the country and in the region”. This collaboration is a major step forward in strengthening Saudia’s technical infrastructure within the Kingdom, highlighting the shared commitment of both organizations to enhance their presence and growth in the aviation industry. Under the terms of the MOU, Saudia will take on the assembly and disassembly of GE90 engines, which power Boeing 777 aircraft. In exchange for localizing this process, Saudia will allocate a guaranteed 50% of the GE90 work orders to Air France-KLM. The agreement also delves into the possibility of establishing a joint venture dedicated to GEnx engines, which power Boeing 787 aircraft.. This move complements Saudia’s existing MRO capabilities, which include servicing CFM LEAP-1A engines for Airbus A320neo family planes. On the commercial front, the partnership also aims to strengthen the existing codeshare agreement between Saudia and Air France-KLM, both of which are members of the SkyTeam alliance.
Amex GBT partners with Air France and KLM to scale up NDC content
Representative Image, Courtesy: Freepik American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has announced an expanded roll-out phase of new distribution capability (NDC) fares with Air France and KLM. The new commitment is focused on creating value for corporate customers through NDC-enabled technologies – in particular, enabling NDC content at scale while supporting the integrity and effectiveness of their managed travel programs. John Bukowski, Amex GBT’s Vice President, Content Acquisition & Strategic Sourcing, said: “This development demonstrates our commitment to providing customers with the best travel options within our marketplace, across all our solutions – proprietary and third-party channels, online and offline.” Stefan Vanovermeir, Vice President Distribution Air France-KLM, said: “We have collaborated closely with Amex GBT to develop a robust NDC solution for our joint customers, including better servicing capabilities compared to EDIFACT for exchanges and refunds. We are pleased to see that our NDC offerings, including the best fares thanks to continuous pricing and a more customized experience, will benefit a greater number of Amex GBT customers at scale.” With this expanded collaboration, Amex GBT and Air France and KLM will continue to grow their joint NDC footprint across multiple channels and countries.
Air France to resume direct Paris-Manila flights this December
Air France resumes its direct flights between Paris and Manila on 8th December following a 20-year-long hiatus. This move is seen as a boon for the Philippine travel industry as it will increase the number of French inbound arrivals and boost revenues from tourism. The resumption is also seen as a potential harbinger of other European airlines resuming direct, non-stop services into the Southeast Asian country. Opening doors Philippine tourism secretary Christina Frasco expressed her optimism over how the resumption of Air France’s direct flights to Manila will encourage other European flag-carriers to do the same. She added that the resumption would enhance ease of travel and provide much-needed connectivity to Europe for the Philippines. Frasco said: "Through this air route, we are eager to welcome more visitors from France and the European Union, who will discover and love the unique charm of our islands, the warmth of Filipino hospitality, and the richness of our culture and heritage." France is not the only European country that is working to boost two-way travel to the Philippines. Italy is also working with relevant Philippine authorities to see how direct flights between the nations could boost mutual benefits in terms of tourism and commerce.
Air France inaugurates a new airport journey for La Première passengers transiting through Paris-Charles de Gaulle
Air France inaugurated an exceptional new airport journey at Paris-Charles de Gaulle for its La Première customers. Just a few days before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, of which Air France is an official partner, the airline is continuing to enhance its La Première offer with the creation of a new check-in lobby and airport suites. Next winter, Air France will unveil its new La Première cabin. A new dedicated check-in lobby Upon arrival at the airport, every La Première guest is warmly welcomed by a dedicated concierge who promptly attends to their luggage. Guests are then guided to a newly established exclusive check-in lobby, marking the initial step in their personalized journey through the airport. Here, an attentive Air France team manages all departure-related procedures, encompassing check-in and luggage assistance. This area, furnished with 15 seats and two private lounges, ensures enhanced privacy for guests*. The check-in lobby also caters to La Première passengers arriving at the airport. Customers have the option to relax post-flight, avail themselves of shower facilities if desired, and retrieve their checked baggage. Acting as a tranquil haven amidst the bustling airport environment, this lobby embodies French elegance and sophistication. Meticulously crafted by Air France experts in collaboration with the SGK Brandimage agency, its design seamlessly combines individualized spaces while preserving an overall sense of expansiveness. Decorated in a palette of white and gray accented with touches of red, the lobby boasts abundant natural light and showcases exquisite furnishings from renowned French designers such as Pierre Paulin and Christophe Pillet. Every detail, from the precise stitching to the luxurious upholstery, exudes an aura of haute couture. Once formalities are concluded, each guest is escorted to the La Première lounge via an exclusive private passage featuring a dedicated security checkpoint. Along this pathway, a series of images portraying the airline's iconic winged seahorse immerses guests in the distinctive world of La Première, serving as a captivating accompaniment throughout their journey. An exclusive lounge reserved for La Première passengers Crafted by architect Didier Lefort, the Air France La Première lounge embodies exclusivity, spanning an impressive 1,000 square meters (10,700 square feet). This sanctuary offers guests tranquil retreats, exuding a sense of serenity and the promise of an extraordinary experience. Gastronomy naturally commands the spotlight, featuring a meticulously curated menu and wine selection crafted by Alain Ducasse and his esteemed team. Nestled at the heart of the lounge is a luxurious spa and beauty treatments area, operated by Sisley, the pioneering French brand renowned for its plant-based cosmetology. New suites connected to the lounge For the utmost privacy prior to a journey or during layovers, La Première passengers now have the option to reserve exclusive suites spanning nearly 45 square meters (nearly 500 square feet), conveniently located adjacent to the La Première lounge. Three suites are available, with the option to adjoin two of them upon request. Upon arrival in these serene havens, guests are personally guided through the suite options and amenities by a dedicated butler. Each suite features a spacious living area, a bedroom with a double bed, a well-appointed bathroom, and a comfortable outdoor patio. Guests have the opportunity to indulge in a specially curated menu crafted by Alain Ducasse and his team for the La Première lounge, as well as access the renowned Sisley spa. Adorned with fresh flowers, luxurious linens, and haute-couture finishes, these spaces create a regal atmosphere within Air France's Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub. In alignment with the architectural style of the check-in lobby and La Première lounge, the suites embody a variation of privacy pods. Each suite boasts boast its own distinct character, meticulously curated through thoughtfully designed decor. Air France has meticulously selected iconic examples of French design, including Charlotte Perriand's writing table, Pierre Paulin's Ribbon chair, and Philippe Starck's Privé sofa. Additionally, each suite features a unique artwork by a French artist, adding a touch of cultural richness to the luxurious surroundings. This new private airport journey and access to the La Première lounge are included as part of Air France’s La Première service. The airport suites are offered as an option, starting at 800 euros. A new La Première cabin coming soon During the winter 2024-2025 season, Air France will unveil its entirely redesigned La Première cabin. Setting a new standard in length, this cabin will boast the longest configuration on the market, offering five windows to passengers. Moreover, it will showcase up to three modular and entirely private living spaces, enhancing the journey with a truly exceptional travel experience: a seat, a chaise lounge, and a flat bed. With this innovative configuration, La Première will be extended across a greater number of aircraft compared to its current deployment. As of summer 2024, La Première suites are available on select 777-300ERs, flying to Abidjan, Dubai, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda and Washington.
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo and IndiGo CarGo announce partnership
Mark Sutch (left) and GertJan Roelands (right) signing the agreement at IndiGo’s Head office in Delhi Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) and IndiGo CarGo are pleased to announce the signing of an extensive Interline Agreement connecting their expansive networks. This marks the first step in their collaborative efforts to further develop a robust cargo partnership. This Special Prorate Agreement will be effective as of 16 July 2024. The agreement was signed during a meeting at IndiGo's headquarters. In addition to the signing, the two parties discussed steps to strengthen their collaboration and to explore ways in which they can extend their cooperation in the coming years. Mark Sutch, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo CarGo said: “We are consistently expanding IndiGo CarGo’s network and capabilities. The strategic focus on growing international presence is greatly complemented by our partnership with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo. This collaboration not only broadens our service offerings but also allows us to leverage their extensive global reach, thereby providing our customers with a wider array of options across diverse geographies.” GertJan Roelands, Senior Vice President Commercial, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo:“India is a strategic growth market for AFKLMP Cargo. Having a strong partner in India is a great building block in our network strategy. The cooperation between IndiGo CarGo and AFKLMP Cargo will give our customers even more choice and solutions.” Both companies look forward to better serving the global cargo market, leveraging their complementary networks to provide enhanced services and explore new opportunities in airfreight transportation.
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