Flying Blue - History

History

Air France-KLM was created by the mutually agreed merger between Air France and Netherlands-based KLM on 5 May 2004.

As a result of the deal, the French government's share of Air France was reduced from 54.4% (of the former Air France) to 44% (of the combined airline). Its share was subsequently reduced to 25%, and later to 18.6%.

At the time of the merger in May 2004, Air France and KLM combined offered flights to 225 destinations in the world. In the year ending 21 March 2003, the two companies combined transported 66.3 million passengers.

In October 2005, Air France Cargo and KLM Cargo, the two freight subsidiaries of the group, announced a merge of their commercial activities. The Joint Cargo Management Team now operates the organisation worldwide from the Netherlands.

In a 2007 opening for a majority takeover of the loss-generating Alitalia, Air France-KLM was one of three bidders, and was favoured by the board of Alitalia. However, on 2 April 2008, it was reported that negotiations have been abandoned. After the acquisition of Alitalia and Air One by Compagnia Aerea Italiana on 12 December 2008, Air France-KLM has announced it is interested once again in purchasing a participation in the new merged company. On 12 January 2009, Air France-KLM announced that it will buy a 25% share in this company for €323 million.

February 2011: Air France-KLM with Delta Air Lines are working together to examine a bid for Virgin Atlantic. At the present Richard Branson has 51 percent stake of Virgin Atlantic and the rest is held by Singapore Airlines.

Air France-KLM was categorized as one of World's 10 safest airlines announced by ATRA in August 2011.

In June 2012 it was released, that Air France-KLM is considering to sell its subsidiary CityJet.