Air France-KLM (+cityhopper)

[TK 0]

Pieter...special request...

Safety card of ALL KLM Fokker fleet please. F-50, F-70 and F-100. Thanks.

 

always love to see the Fokker's...the were the First and will remain that way as regional aircraft builder!

[Mohd Idham 0]

Pieter, special request,

free ticket for me and my mum KUL-AMS-KUL...

 

Nay, just kidding..

 

Pieter, make KLM proud of you, will ya..

always love to see 'the blue heavy bird' touch down at KUL...

[Pieter C. 5]

Air France to show videos condemming sex tourism:

 

September 15, 2006

Air France will show a graphic video on child prostitution on all its long-haul flights from October, in an effort to curb sex tourism involving minors, the airline said on Friday.

 

The 90 second video shows young girls in discos, on streets and in hotel bedrooms, with graphics displaying their ages: '13 years', '16 years'.

 

To the sound of handcuffs clicking shut, the video then shows a middle-aged man, a censor bar across his eyes reading '10 years'.

 

"Having sexual relations with a minor leads to prison," a background voice says.

 

"It is a part of Air France's humanitarian commitment," spokeswoman Marina Tymen said of the video, which will be played on the airline's 94 long-haul planes and be seen by up to 46,000 passengers a day.

 

UNICEF says that about 1 million children are sexually exploited every year in the multibillion-dollar sex industry.

 

(Reuters)

 

[Pieter C. 5]

September 27, 2006

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the Dutch arm of Air France KLM, said on Wednesday it would reduce its fuel surcharge as a result of falling oil prices.

 

The surcharge would fall by 5 euros (USD$6.35) on all intercontinental flights and by 1 euro on all intra-European flights on tickets issued from September 28.

 

Oil prices firmed above USD$61 a barrel on Wednesday, but have tumbled from a peak of more than USD$78 a barrel in July.

 

Lufthansa said it had no immediate plans to follow suit. "At the moment there is no plan to lower the fuel surcharges. We are continually observing the market," a spokesman said.

 

(Reuters)

 

When will MH follow suit ?

 

[Pieter C. 5]

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the Dutch arm of Air France KLM, said on Wednesday it would reduce its fuel surcharge as a result of falling oil prices.

 

September 28, 2006

China's three biggest airlines, including Air China, will lift fuel surcharges for international flights by 50 to 60 percent from October 1.

 

The surcharge on Air China flights to Asian routes would be raised to USD$40 from the present USD$25 and that for flights to the Middle East, Europe and the United States would rise to USD$60 from USD$40, Rao Xinyu, an official at the airline's investor relations department, said on Thursday.

 

China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines will impose the same surcharges, sources said.

 

(Reuters)

 

How is this possible with falling fuel-prices world-wide ???

[Pieter C. 5]

This is what the Deputy CEO of KLM just 'published' :

 

Constant Product Improvement

In everything KLM does, the passenger takes primary importance. That’s why we’re always working to constantly improve our passenger product. A perfect example of this is our fleet modification program in which we’re upgrading the interiors of our Boeing 747s and MD-11s to bring them in line with our triple-sevens and A330s. When the program is completed, World Business Class throughout the entire fleet will be furnished with lie-flat seats, in-seat power and an advanced video-on-demand system. Passengers will also be able to send and receive simple e-mail and text messages.

The PH-BFB was the first Boeing 747 to undergo the metamorphosis. Conversion of the PH-BFD will start soon. The process to bring it up to 777/A330 standard takes about two weeks, when not combined with a regular maintenance check.

 

We’re dividing the MD-11 upgrade into two phases. By the end of the year, all MD-11 Economy Class seats will be renewed and the aircraft’s configuration will be adapted so that Economy Class is enlarged and WBC decreases, in order to better fit the market demand of the specific destinations served by the MD-11. We’ll also change the aisles to create a more standard 3-3-3 seating plan, which results in one extra seat in each row. During the second phase of the MD-11 conversion, we’ll upgrade WBC and equip Economy Class with the video-on-demand system. Because of weight restrictions, this system is not possible in the 747s. As everyone can see, we’re investing heavily in the MD-11 product—which will take a little more than two years to accomplish—and with that I hope to put a stop to the rumor that we’ll be phasing out our MD-11s next year.

 

[Pieter C. 5]

A bit of contradiction here-n-there with the previous post, but savings are tremendous:

 

October 4, 2006

The 2004 merger of Air France and KLM could produce double the initially anticipated cost savings of EUR500 million euros (USD$635.3 million), the chief executive of KLM was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

 

"Savings of a billion euros in five years time is now looking like a real possibility," KLM CEO Leo van Wijk told the Dutch business travel magazine Zakenreis in an interview.

 

Van Wijk said the merger between the French and Dutch airlines had already saved EUR660 million and added that the top 20 managers of Air France and KLM would meet later this year to assess progress and look to the future.

 

"We are going to reflect on what the 'grand plan' should be for next year and how we can take the next steps," he said.

 

"I don't rule out further integration, but there must be good reasons for that," he said, adding that the two firms had said 75 to 80 percent of their activities were not suited to integration as the airlines wanted to keep their own identities.

 

Van Wijk said areas of potential cost saving include joint maintenance of both airlines' Boeing 747s at Schiphol and that of A380s in Paris. KLM will switch over to the same IT system as Air France next year, allowing sales on a common platform.

 

Van Wijk said the Franco-Dutch airline expected to invest much of the merger savings in new planes, noting that KLM had several Boeing 747s that were 25 years old, the company needed to replace MD-11s and Air France is buying new A380s.

 

Asked about further consolidation in the industry, Van Wijk said the company wanted to invest in China, which he said would be the biggest aviation market in 10 years, and also remains interested in Italy's Alitalia.

 

Van Wijk reiterated that Air France KLM could consider taking a stake in Alitalia if the airline was privatized.

 

"But the Italian government hasn't taken a decision about that yet. Moreover, Alitalia's financial performance must be improved," he said.

 

In August, Air France KLM dampened talk of a rapid merger with Alitalia after the Italian flag carrier said a new plan was needed to turn the company around after abandoning a promise to turn a profit in 2006.

 

Air France KLM announced last month it is in talks to set up a cargo venture with China Southern Airlines.

 

Van Wijk expects to step down as chief executive in May next year and move to a strategic role in the merged company. He said he expects to be replaced by his deputy Peter Hartman although a final decision will be taken later this year.

 

(Reuters)

 

[Pieter C. 5]

Phase-out remaining KLM B767's:

 

This winter season the last 5 KLM 767's will leave service and will be returned to owner ILFC. The planning is:

 

- PH-BZH will go to Aeroflot by the end of November as VP-BQM

- PH-BZO will go to PrivatAir by the end of December as ??

- PH-BZI will go to Aeroflot in February as VP-BQN

- PH-BZM will most likely go to Malev in March; it will replace a 767-200 in MA's current fleet...

- PH-BZK will go to Aeroflot by the end of March as VP-BQO

 

Aircraft will leave active KLM-service about 4 weeks before the intended delivery.

 

A summary of the other ex-KLM 767's:

PH-BZA went to Zoom as C-GZNA

PH-BZB went to Neos as EI-DMJ

PH-BZC went to Zoom as C-GZNC

PH-BZD went to Neos as EI-DOF

PH-BZE went to North American as N765NA

PH-BZF went to Aeroflot as VP-BWW

PH-BZG went to Aeroflot as VP-BWX

 

So, guys, if you still want to see some, don't delay in visiting AMS for your spotting needs

 

 

[Izanee 0]

KLM's service is quite good. Yeah, they don't have PTVs on KUL-AMS flights, and the food is okay - but the crew are quite nice. Particularly like the Cityhopper flights from AMS-MAN vv. Nice friendly crew, good food.

Okay - you can't compare the service to MH, but KL is better than BA, IB, QF, MS, SV, BD. EK is better not because of the crew but because of the ICE system and the good food. MH wins overall though.

Just my two sen worth.

 

 

[Pieter C. 5]

Particularly like the Cityhopper flights from AMS-MAN vv. Nice friendly crew, good food.

 

I'm blushing now

 

Thanks for the compliment...

 

On another issue: KL is planning to change equipment on the AMS-SIN v.v. flights from 74M to 772, effective Summer 2007 (starting last Sunday in March), so if you wanna see those, better start planning a trip down South

 

[Seth K 3]

On another issue: KL is planning to change equipment on the AMS-SIN v.v. flights from 74M to 772, effective Summer 2007 (starting last Sunday in March), so if you wanna see those, better start planning a trip down South

Iz that upgrade or downgrade?

[Pieter C. 5]

Iz that upgrade or downgrade?

 

From passenger's point of view, an upgrade and more in par with SQ's product...also more seats on 772 than on 74M (328 versus 280).

From cargo's point of view, a downgrade, as 772 has less capacity than 74M; definitely, this does mean an increase in Full Freighters to SIN...

[Keith T 2]

Iz that upgrade or downgrade?

 

Definitely an upg in terms of cabin comfort. Wider seats. And IIRC, they have the new angled lie flat biz class seats too?

Hm, pity the 772s are not operating when my friend is flying KLM end of this year. Pieter: Any chance you could bring the change forward?

Edited October 8, 2006 by Keith T

[Pieter C. 5]

Pieter: Any chance you could bring the change forward?

 

nope

 

These are still plans and nothing definite as yet

[Keith T 2]

nope

 

These are still plans and nothing definite as yet

 

Nah that's cool mate.

[Pieter C. 5]

Far-Eastern Appreciation for Air France

 

Air France is doing great in the Far East. For the fourth time in a row, the travel industry voted our partner "best European airline" in the Annual Travel Awards 2006.

Voters included readers of travel trade media TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice, BTN Asia Pacific and BTN China—key travel agents, tour operators and major industry figures from more than 14 countries in the region.

The Annual Travel Award ceremony will be held tomorrow in Pattaya, Thailand, which is close to Bangkok.

 

In another KLM related story, this is quite surprising:

 

Northwest to use upgraded 757s on new transatlantic routes

 

Thursday October 12, 2006

Northwest Airlines will revamp 10 757-200s for an expansion of its transatlantic network announced yesterday.

 

The routes include two new destinations from NWA's Detroit hub and the first nonstop transatlantic service from Hartford's Bradley International Airport. "The combination of our customer-focused WorldGateway at the Detroit hub, competitive costs and the Boeing 757 aircraft, which allows us to match capacity with economically viable demand, has made this major expansion possible," President and CEO Doug Steenland said.

 

NWA will launch daily Hartford-Amsterdam service on July 1. BDL becomes Northwest/KLM's 18th North American gateway to Amsterdam. Five-times-weekly service from Detroit to Brussels will begin May 7 and to Dusseldorf June 5. The latter is the second German destination NWA serves from DTW after Frankfurt. The two routes become daily on June 15. On the same day it will increase frequencies to AMS to five-times-weekly. Winter season flights will grow to four-times-weekly.

 

One month later, a second daily Boston-AMS will be added. NWA also will take over operation of KLM's twice-daily AMS-Newark service. The Dutch carrier will begin operating a third daily New York JFK-Amsterdam flight on July 1. Up to five extra weekly flights will be added between AMS and Los Angeles and Toronto as well, but no further details were provided.

 

The 757s, which must be ETOPS certified, will be fitted with winglets and will seat 160 passengers in two classes. The business class cabin will be reconfigured with two aisles and 16 new seats, providing passengers with portable on-demand IFE, 1.5 m. of personal space, a computer port and other amenities. Coach will be configured with three aisles and 144 seats with 4 in. of additional pitch.

 

by Brian Straus/ATW.

 

.....so, this means for AMS: one type out (DC-10-30) and another type in (757-200): this is the 2nd US airline operating 757's across the Pond to Schiphol, the other one being CO...

[Isaac 0]

[/b] During the second phase of the MD-11 conversion, we’ll upgrade WBC and equip Economy Class with the video-on-demand system.

Is this mean Y in the M11 will get PTV also ?

 

 

Because of weight restrictions, this system is not possible in the 747s.

Because it's 74M ? How about the 5x 744 they have ? I'm sure it won't be a problem.

 

 

Iz that upgrade or downgrade?

Definately an upgrade. They want to compete more effectively with SQ, hence replacing the 74M with 772 on the SIN sector, according to an insider in A.net

 

 

The 757s, which must be ETOPS certified, will be fitted with winglets and will seat 160 passengers in two classes. The business class cabin will be reconfigured with two aisles and 16 new seats, providing passengers with portable on-demand IFE, 1.5 m. of personal space, a computer port and other amenities. Coach will be configured with three aisles and 144 seats with 4 in. of additional pitch.

with 4 in. of additional pitch in Y on the 752 ? What is that supposed to mean ? 34" of pitch for NWA Y on the 752 ?

Edited October 12, 2006 by Isaac

[Pieter C. 5]

Is this mean Y in the M11 will get PTV also ?

Because it's 74M ? How about the 5x 744 they have ? I'm sure it won't be a problem.

Definately an upgrade. They want to compete more effectively with SQ, hence replacing the 74M with 772 on the SIN sector, according to an insider in A.net

with 4 in. of additional pitch in Y on the 752 ? What is that supposed to mean ? 34" of pitch for NWA Y on the 752 ?

 

M11 - indeed, will get PTV like 772/332...

74M/744 - no idea: they only will get flatscreens i.s.o. PTV...

752 - would be great that 34 inch...however the whole sentence is weird: "Coach will be reconfigured with 3 aisles" : wonder how they're gonna do that on a 757 (even one more aisle than 747/777 )

[Pieter C. 5]

Some news about the two 'new' Fokker 100's for KLC have evolved:

 

MSN 11472 (PT-MRP) to become PH-OFP:

15sep06 - last flight for TAM.

20nov06 - transfer from TAM to Aercap.

04dec06 - KLC standardization program by Fokker Services Woensdrecht.

21dec06 - December AIRAC.

08jan07 - Introduction into KLC operation.

 

MSN 11462 (PT-MRS) to become PH-OFO:

26mar07 - Introduction into KLC operation.

[Pieter C. 5]

November 7, 2006

Air France KLM reported a 5.6 percent rise in October passenger traffic on Tuesday, led by strong growth for the airline's routes to Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

 

Air France KLM, the world's largest airline by revenues, added in a statement that its October load factor dipped 0.3 percentage points to 81.4 percent.

 

Sentiment surrounding the airline sector has lifted in recent weeks following a fall in oil prices and after restrictions on hand luggage at European airports was eased.

 

(Reuters)

 

[Keith T 2]

Pieter, do you know if they'd combine both brands and operate as 1 entity anytime soon?

Or is it part of the merger deal that the KLM brand be retained, ala LH-LX?

Edited November 7, 2006 by Keith T

[Pieter C. 5]

Pieter, do you know if they'd combine both brands and operate as 1 entity anytime soon?

Or is it part of the merger deal that the KLM brand be retained, ala LH-LX?

 

It was part of the deal to keep the KLM brand for at least 5 years at the time of the merger...once KLM is not generating a profit anymore, I don't honestly know what the French will do

 

[Keith T 2]

It was part of the deal to keep the KLM brand for at least 5 years at the time of the merger...once KLM is not generating a profit anymore, I don't honestly know what the French will do

 

I wonder what they're going to call the new entity. Is there much 'national airline'-style politics going on in The Netherlands?

I can't see it going down too well if it was the other way round and they got rid of the Air France brand though.

[Pieter C. 5]

Is there much 'national airline'-style politics going on in The Netherlands?

 

Politics no, but the Queen has given her blessing (K in Koninklijke, remember), and she's known to be quite patriotic...besides, KLM is the oldest airline in the world still operating under the same name, so the majority of the Dutch population would definitely oppose the 'killing' of the KLM name in the new combined entity, also for nostalgic/historic feelings, me included...

[Keith T 2]

Politics no, but the Queen has given her blessing (K in Koninklijke, remember), and she's known to be quite patriotic...besides, KLM is the oldest airline in the world still operating under the same name, so the majority of the Dutch population would definitely oppose the 'killing' of the KLM name in the new combined entity, also for nostalgic/historic feelings, me included...

 

Looks like the present arrangement will continue indefinitely then. Unless the French are prepared for a backlash from the Dutch people...