Air France's well-balanced network
Air France has a well-balanced, independent network that provides natural cover against risks. In addition each market reacts differently to an economic or international situation. Consequently Air France can modify its flight schedule at any time depending on circumstances.
Air France and KLM’s Dual Network
Each airline, whether Air France or KLM, has a stronger presence in certain parts of the world.
Air France, for instance, is better represented in Southern Europe than KLM. KLM, on the other hand has more flights to East Africa while Air France is stronger in West Africa.
Consequently there are numerous ‘sole’ destinations, i.e. destinations operated by either one airline or the other.
By playing on this complementarity, Air France and KLM are able to offer 238 destinations in 104 countries. On long-haul routes, this dual network is considerably larger than its main European rivals, such as British Airways (with 71 destinations) and Lufthansa-Swiss (with 82 destinations).
39% of destinations covered by Air France and KLM are operated by neither British Airways nor Lufthansa-Swiss. The 46 destinations operated by all three airlines only represent 41% of the Air France and KLM network yet represent 65% for British Airways and 56% for Lufthansa-Swiss.
43 sole destinations on the long-haul network : a more attractive product offer and are less susceptible to competition.
Air France and KLM have, of course, designed simple tools to allow passengers to make the most of this dual network, notably with :
- the hubway, a system of 15 daily flights distributed regularly throughout the day linking Paris and Amsterdam, and connecting Air France and KLM networks.
- Links between French provincial destinations and Amsterdam.
- Fare combinability, an innovative concept allowing passengers to build their own trip to destinations operated by both airlines, combining a flight leg on KLM through Amsterdam with a flight leg on Air France though Paris. In this way passengers may benefit from connecting flights via one or the other hubs either on the outbound or inbound flight and make use of most suitable flight times (thanks to a better offer in terms of frequencies) and the most attractive fares (based on the addition of two half return trips).
- Flying Blue, the joint frequent flyer program by Air France and KLM, the leading European programme with 17 million members.
