Air France & KLM to Merge?

[Rhoel 2]

News is breaking tonight that Air france and KLM are in merger talks ... if the EU permit it, they will become the largest airline in Europe (if not the world). KLM have been in difficulties for some time and Air France are know to be streamlining their fleet and routes (this included permanently grounding thier Concorde fleet for economic/re-fit reasons).

 

This could cause a new round of mergers amongst other operators, according to aviation press reporters.

 

At this stage, the affects on the passengers and flight costs can only be speculation. I hope this reduction in choice will not mean the excuse to increase prices back to high levels 10 years ago.

 

Since KLM is my favourite carrier out to LOS, I have a vested interested in this outcome. Perhaps I should make the most of the current situation and head out soon to party whilst the prices are still good.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Rhoel,

 

They have been in merger talks for almost a year (since the BA/KLM talks broke down).  What has happened is that the boards of the two airlines have approved a deal (effectively means Air France is buying KLM) under one corporate umbrella but retaining their individual identities and, for the Dutch, Schipol as an international hub.  Alitalia tried to get in on the deal and may be invited into the family at a later date.

 

SAS and Swiss are in pretty much the same financial position as KLM was so I wouldn't be surprised if they go the same way (Swiss has already come under the protective wing of BA and oneworld - BA got the Swiss LHR slots as part of the deal).

 

I can't see that the AF deal will affect KLM passengers too much - other than that they will probably have to put up with them being on strike every other Bank Holiday!

 

Tom

[Crackpot 2]

So long as AF dont force KLM to be as rude to everyone as they are ?

[yselmike 378]

its a done deal.they all treat us like shit in tourist class

only china air seem ok

mike

[Crackpot 2]

its a done deal.they all treat us like shit in tourist class

only china air seem ok

mike

Thats probably only because we cant understand their abuse ?

 

I speak fluent French and when travelling on AF once heard a waitress babbling anti English abuse in French when I asked for some Worcestershire Sauce in my Tomato Juice. Did she go a lovely colour of Red when I went back at her in her own language.

[Jimmybb 0]

I had a feeling that something was up a few weeks ago when Northwest(the biggest affiliate of KLM) made Delta an associate in their mileage perks program.  I hope this does not push NWA prices higher, but a clue that this is happening is the failure to significantly reduce fares to Europe after Labor Day as is usually the case.  Jimmy

[rrayfield 0]

KLM will probably be joining the SkyTeam global alliance as listed on there website here... http://www.skyteam.com and if I had to take a guess it will not be long before NorthWest jumps in also, Delta Airlines already has codeshare flight with NW and CO who are not members of the skyteam.  I think it would be a great addition!

 

http://www.skyteam.com/EN/aboutSkyteam/pre...er/pr093003.jsp

 

;D  [smiley=thumbup.gif]