Latest news with #AirFrance-KLMGroup
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Air France-KLM to buy majority stake in SAS
The Air France-KLM group on Friday said that it would initiate proceedings to buy a majority stake in Stockholm-based SAS. "Following their successful restructuring, SAS has delivered impressive performance, and we are confident that the airline's potential will continue to grow through deeper integration within the Air France-KLM Group," Air France-KLM chief executive officer Benjamin Smith said. The Dutch-French group currently holds a 19.9% stake in the Scandinavian airline. Under the terms, the group will fully acquire the stakes held by Castlelake and Lind Invest, bringing its own stake to 60.5% in SAS. The Danish State will retain its 26.4% stake in SAS and its seats on the company's board, the group said in a statement. The value of Air France-KLM's proposed acquisition of stakes will be determined at closing, based on SAS's latest financial performance. The transaction is expected to be closed in the second half of 2026. Post-transaction, SAS will become a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group. This acquisition is expected to allow Air France-KLM and SAS to fully unlock their synergy potential via a comprehensive integration in all areas of business. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Tourism Breaking News
13-06-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish strategic cooperation and expand global connectivity
Post Views: 36 Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step forward in global connectivity for guests traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and destinations far beyond. The MoU, signed at the 2025 IATA Annual General Meeting by Tony Douglas CEO Riyadh Air and Benjamin Smith CEO of Air France-KLM Group, sets the foundation for a dynamic partnership. Subject to regulatory approvals, the collaboration aims to gradually introduce a wide range of benefits for guests and to unlock new opportunities across Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership will focus on strengthening network connectivity, with both partners working together to maximize future opportunities through Riyadh Air's hub in the capital of Saudi Arabia and Air France-KLM's Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol airport hubs. The recent launch of Air France's Paris Charles de Gaulle–Riyadh service, alongside KLM's established Amsterdam–Riyadh operations, reflects the shared commitment to expanding travel options for guests. Beyond route connectivity, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM will collaborate to enhance the guest experience, exploring opportunities in reciprocal loyalty program rewards, operational support, and lounge access. The partnership also extends to areas such as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), digital transformation, sustainability, and cargo services—ensuring a comprehensive approach to delivering value. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, commented, 'We are dedicated to connecting Riyadh to the world, and partnering with Air France-KLM – a leader in global aviation, will accelerate bringing to life our vision to deliver exceptional experiences and the realization of our long-term vision: to redefine air travel through innovation, operational excellence, and guest-centric services. This partnership not only strengthens our international network but also reinforces confidence in our growth trajectory and our role in supporting Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.' Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group, added 'Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a key market for aviation. With our three brands, Air France, KLM and Transavia now serving the country, and with this new agreement with Riyadh Air, we aim to continue increasing our footprint in the region. We look forward to combining our networks and expertise with Riyadh Air, and to offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience. This cooperation is complementary to our SkyTeam partner in the region. As Riyadh Air embarks on its journey to become a leading global carrier, this partnership with Air France-KLM underlines a bold commitment to excellence, innovation, and exceptional guest experience.'
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Air France unveils its new La Première experience, the highest expression of travel
- After launching an exceptional airport journey at Paris-Charles de Gaulle in 2024, Air France is reinventing the travel experience on board its most exclusive cabin. - Four suites, each nearly 3.5 square meters, will gradually be introduced on a selection of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with the first in-flight experience available beginning in spring 2025. - Featuring five windows – an Air France exclusive – as well as a seat and a chaise longue that converts to a true two-meter-long bed, the new La Première cabin promises a unique experience enhanced by personalized service and a three-star gourmet offering. PARIS, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A reflection of French elegance and art de vivre, La Première has always embodied Air France's signature excellence. Both at the airport and onboard, La Première guests enjoy exclusive and personalized moments, with high-flying experiences curated by dedicated La Première staff who provide discreet yet attentive service. « The launch of our new La Première experience is a major step in our strategic roadmap", said Benjamin Smith, President of Air France and CEO of Air France-KLM Group. "We continue to invest in state-of-the-art products for our customers at every step of their journey, with the aim of positioning Air France at the highest level worldwide. With a new private ground experience at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and a completely redesigned, larger-than-ever La Première suite onboard, this new experience truly is the highest expression of travel. It continues to be elevated by our dedicated staff, who strive to make each journey an exceptional moment. Going forward, we will make this new product available on more aircraft to more destinations, a testament to our commitment to excellence". A fully customizable suite extending over five windows: an Air France exclusive Developed over three years, Air France's new La Première suite features a unique and fully adaptable design, consisting of a seat and a chaise longue that transform into a full bed. Click here to download the visuals. The seat adjusts to different phases of the flight: takeoff, landing, dining, or relaxation mode. With an embossed leather headrest featuring Air France's historic winged seahorse emblem and plush ergonomic padding, the seat adapts to each passenger's body for optimal comfort. A nearby console and table provide convenient space for working or dining. Opposite the seat, the chaise longue offers the perfect place to stretch out while remaining seated, ideal for reading or watching a movie. For maximum comfort while sleeping, it extends seamlessly into a fully flat bed measuring two meters long and 75 centimeters wide. The new suite adapts to each passenger's rhythm and desires. Each one offers a private space totaling nearly 3.5 square meters, providing 25% more space compared to the current cabin. A cozy blanket and large cushions make this space an intimate cocoon. Each suite is enclosed by a thick, floor-to-ceiling curtain for complete privacy and a peaceful ambiance. The side suites boast five windows, an Air France exclusive feature. Meanwhile, adjacent suites in the center of the cabin allow for shared travel while maintaining privacy thanks to a full-height, electric sliding partition that can be activated at the touch of a button. The quintessence of elegance Exclusively reserved for La Première guests, this cabin, located at the front of the aircraft, offers a completely private experience. Every detail has been meticulously designed. Only the finest materials, such as full-grain leather and plush wool, have been carefully selected for these new suites crafted in France by STELIA Aerospace. Its unique design was conceived by the company in association with the expertise of the Design Investment studio and the SGK Brandimage agency. The cabin's design features a harmonious color palette dominated by shades of gray, with leather-trimmed finishes and exclusive fabrics created for La Première. Touches of red, reminiscent of haute couture, add character and distinction. Champagne-colored metallic accents enhance every detail, while the dark carpeting creates a sense of airiness and fluidity, giving the impression of suspension. To create an unparalleled sense of space, overhead compartments have been replaced with floor-level storage. A large sliding drawer accommodates up to two carry-on suitcases, while a second drawer under the chaise longue provides space for footwear. A personal compartment with a backlit mirror is available near the seat for personal belongings, along with an individual wardrobe. Light plays a central role in this exceptional setting. The five windows fill the space with natural brightness, creating a serene atmosphere. They feature electric translucent or blackout shades. The lighting system includes two lamps adorned with the signature Air France winged seahorse, available as both wall-mounted and floor-standing fixtures. Subtle ambient lighting accompanies each phase of the flight. Onboard, cutting-edge technology enhances the travel experience. Each guest enjoys two 32-inch 4K screens, offering over 1,500 hours of entertainment accessible from the seat, chaise longue, or bed. Noise-canceling headphones are provided, and passengers can also connect their personal headphones via Bluetooth. The suite is equipped with 110V/220V electrical outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging stations, and dedicated holders for smartphones or tablets. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the journey. Soon, Air France will introduce a new ultra-high-speed connectivity service across its fleet, replacing the current offering and providing an at-home experience in the sky.* The suite can be intuitively controlled via a wireless touchscreen tablet. With a simple touch, passengers can adjust the inclination of their seat, chaise longue, or bed, as well as the lighting and window shades. The tablet also allows easy navigation through all entertainment options. Four suites will progressively be introduced on a selection of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The first aircraft to feature the new La Première cabin, named Épernay, will take off in the spring and fly to New York-JFK. Other destinations, including Los Angeles, Singapore, and Tokyo-Haneda, will be added during the summer 2025 season. La Première is currently available from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Abidjan, Dubai, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda and Washington DC. Click here to learn more about Air France's new La Première experience. La Première, the highest expression of travel Air France's La Première is the perfect blend of a rich heritage, cherished and upheld since 1933, and a never-end quest for excellence. Every stage of the journey is designed to offer an exceptional, tailor-made experience. From the spacious airport lounge to the private onboard suite, from three-star cuisine to a carefully curated selection of fine wines and champagnes, and from restful nights at 35,000 feet to personalized service, every moment is elevated to transform travel into an unforgettable experience. By reinventing this signature product, which is deeply embedded in its DNA, Air France is taking another step forward in its move upmarket. *The rollout of this new Wi-Fi service across the entire Air France fleet will begin in the summer 2025 season. The service will be entirely free for Flying Blue and La Première customers. Air France Press Office: – X/Twitter @AFnewsroom View original content: SOURCE AIR FRANCE Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
17-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Pointspay launches first to market Shopify plugin to boost retailer engagement with Flying Blue+ payment solution
Online retailers can now seamlessly integrate Pointspay to engage, convert, and retain customers from Flying Blue, the Air France-KLM Group loyalty programme. ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, February 17, 2025 / / -- Pointspay, the innovative marketing and payment solution, has announced the launch of its new Shopify plugin, enabling online retailers to engage, convert, and retain new customers more efficiently than ever before. The first version that has launched is for Flying Blue+, the new payment method launched earlier this year in partnership with Pointspay. The Shopify plugin is a quick and straightforward alternative to API integrations for merchants using the Shopify platform for their e-commerce business. Merchants can simply download the Flying Blue+ plugin directly from the Shopify App Store, configure it, and conduct a test transaction, all within a matter of minutes. 'Shopify is the leading global commerce company that provides essential infrastructure for commerce,' said Jasper Mulder, Chief Growth Officer at Pointspay. 'We are thrilled to be part of Shopify's ecosystem and to offer a solution that is engineered for speed, customization, reliability, and security. With Pointspay's new plugin, merchants can quickly tap into the power of loyalty programs, enhancing their customer experience and driving growth.' Retailers that have already integrated Pointspay into their online shopping experience include Oger, Diamond Point and Polaar, showcasing the solution's growing adoption among brands seeking to leverage loyalty programs for customer engagement and retention. LinkedIn
