The Air France-KLM Group is gearing up for an aggressive expansion in its operations from the Middle East and India, with new direct flight services from Saudi cities Riyadh and Jeddah by Air France and group carrier Transavia France, and from the South Indian city of Hyderabad by KLM.
While Transavia France’s two direct flight services from Jeddah – one to Paris-Orly and the second one to Lyon – are commencing from this month, Air France is slated to launch direct flights from Riyadh to Paris in summer 2025, and KLM’s planned new direct service from Hyderabad to Amsterdam is to take off from September 2025.
The airline group is also expected to announce new flight services from other cities in the region in the coming months.
Besides expanding flight operations, Air France is all set to woo premium travellers from the region by offering ‘next level luxury’ with a redesigned La Premiere Cabin – the carrier’s First Class cabin – to be unveiled in March 2025.
The leading European airline group will also step up investments for its fleet renewal programme to transition to ‘sustainable aviation’, targeting incorporating modern, more fuel-efficient aircraft to account for 80 per cent of its fleet by 2030, almost quadrupling from the 21 per cent in 2023.
“The India and Middle East region is of strategic importance for the Air France-KLM Group,” Stefan Gumuseli, General Manager – Air France-KLM, India and Middle East, told Arabian Business in an exclusive interview.
“We are always eager to explore new business opportunities and partnerships [to grow and expand our operations from the region],” he said.
Gumuseli, who took over the reins of Air France-KLM Group’s operations in the Middle East-India region in August and based at the airline’s regional establishment office in Dubai, said the Group’s flight operations are and will be well structured to meet the growing demands of its customers in this region.
Regional growth plan
Gumuseli said the market potential and the demand for travel has driven the expansion of the Group’s footprint in Saudi Arabia and in the Indian subcontinent.
“The ongoing developments in Saudi Arabia, coupled with the increasing demand for travel, have positioned this market as a key gateway for the Air France-KLM Group. With these new routes, all three airlines of the Air France-KLM Group (Air France, KLM, and Transavia) will be serving Saudi Arabia, further strengthening our presence in this important market,” he said.
The Air France-KLM regional head said Air France’s proposed launch of flights between Riyadh and Paris’ Charles de Gaulle during Summer 2025, will complement the existing services between Dammam-Riyadh and Amsterdam, operated by KLM.
Transavia France’s new direct services from this month (December 2024) between Jeddah and Paris-Orly, and Jeddah and Lyon, will be twice-weekly.
KLM’s proposed new direct flight services between Hyderabad and Amsterdam from September 2025 will be thrice weekly operations, he said.
Hyderabad will be KLM’s fourth gateway in India.
“We have services from all major gateways. At the moment, Air France and KLM operate from 8 cities across India and the Middle East, offering over 85 weekly flights. From India, we fly from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, along with Beirut, Cairo, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh in the Middle East,” he said.
Gumuseli, a 23-year airline veteran, said with this extensive network, Air France and KLM will provide convenient connections for both business and leisure travellers, ensuring smooth access to the Group’s extensive global network of over 300 global destinations through its hubs in Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris, Charles de Gaulle.
Luxury enhanced by Air France
The Air France-KLM Group’s regional head also revealed that Air France is all set to take luxury to the next level with the redesigned La Premiere Cabin to be unveiled in March 2025.
Air France and KLM have also further elevated the Business Class experience with significant upgrades to their seat designs, focusing on three key pillars: Full Flat, Full Access, and Full Privacy, he said, adding that “the new Business Class seats are gradually being rolled out across the intercontinental network of Air France – KLM”.
“Heightened customer experience is the buzzword in the aviation sector,” Gumuseli said, adding that enhancing the overall customer satisfaction and flying experience is core to the airline group’s business.
“We are continuously innovating to improve every touchpoint of the journey. The goal is to offer a seamless, personalised, and enjoyable experience for our customers from the moment they book their ticket until they arrive at their destination.”
Gumuseli also listed a few key initiatives launched globally for enhanced flier comforts.
The Air France La Première (First Class) cabin, which he described as the “epitome of luxury and exclusivity” is designed for customers seeking the ultimate in privacy, comfort, and personalised service.
“This cabin has all that it takes to make it the finest in the industry – from a private suite onboard, personalised services, fine dining experience, exclusive lounges at the airport and more.
“The seats are equipped with a sliding door that allows passengers to create a totally private space, while working and relaxing,” he said.
Gumuseli said KLM’s ‘Premium Comfort’ cabin, launched just two years ago in 2022, has been a remarkable success, and has now been fully integrated across the airline’s entire fleet of Boeing 777 and 787 aircrafts, serving intercontinental destinations worldwide.
He also revealed that starting in Summer 2025, Air France will introduce a new onboard Wi-Fi service in partnership with Starlink.
“This ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi will be gradually rolled out across all cabins, free of charge, ensuring that passengers can stay connected with their business, friends, and family while travelling,” the Air France-KLM Group regional head said.
Fleet renewal for sustainability
Gumuseli said fleet renewal is an integral part of the Air France-KLM Group’s ongoing commitment to a more sustainable aviation and reducing its environmental impact.
“Significant investments are being made toward the renewal of our fleet, incorporating modern, more fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A220s, Airbus A320/321neos, Airbus A350s, and Boeing 787s. By 2030, these advanced aircraft will account for 80 per cent of the Air France-KLM Group’s fleet, a significant increase from 21 per cent in 2023,” he said.
Gumuseli said the airline group is also looking for ways to enhance its onboard dining experience, including catering to the diverse tastes of travellers.
“To this end, we continuously offer a variety of menus signed by Michelin-starred chefs, incorporating a wide range of options to suit different palates,” he said.
Expanding through codeshare deals
Gumuseli said the partnership with other airlines is another strategy the Group could look at further growing operations in the region.
“In India, we have a very successful codeshare partnership with IndiGo, which enables Air France and KLM customers to have access to over 30 destinations in India, and opens the opportunity for IndiGo customers to connect to the vast global network of Air France and KLM with over 300 destinations worldwide.
“In the Middle East, we have recently announced an expansion of our codeshare partnership with Saudia, which improves connectivity between France, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia,” he said.
The agreement, besides enabling Air France, KLM and Saudia to significantly expand their existing commercial agreements, also includes initiatives to optimise operations and improve customer experience, notably through terminal co-location at key airports.
“These partnerships are instrumental in expanding our regional footprint, offering our customers more travel options, and allowing them to experience the premium products and services of Air France and KLM,” Gumuseli said.
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