This summer, Air France pilots will be deployed for the first time to operate KLM flights with a Boeing 777. This is evident from internal communication at Air France. The French pilots will be stationed in New York and will fly daily from there to Amsterdam on a KLM aircraft, staffed with Dutch cabin crew. It is a notable step, intended to support KLM during a period of structural staff shortages.
According to the pilots’ union VNV, parent company Air France-KLM is stepping in to secure important revenue during the busy summer season. The collaboration is necessary because part of KLM’s fleet would otherwise remain unused in the coming months. Due to the shortage of cockpit personnel, KLM is unable to operate its full intercontinental network, which is the segment that generates the most profit.
The exchange of pilots between the sister companies has become possible thanks to the approval of unions in both France and the Netherlands. VNV calls it a unique development and describes it as a clear victory for CEO Ben Smith, who is paving the way for more flexibility within the airline group.
Despite an additional reward scheme of 25 million euros, KLM is unable to fully utilize its long-haul fleet. It is estimated that ten percent of the long-haul aircraft remain grounded. This not only results in lost revenue but also increases the risk of losing slots. By temporarily deploying French pilots, KLM can still operate these aircraft and retain valuable slots. However, the VNV emphasizes that formal approval of the measure still needs to be obtained.
The collaboration between KLM and Air France is not limited to this summer operation. There are also discussions about deploying 16 Air France Airbus A350 pilots as instructors at KLM, in anticipation of the planned introduction of this aircraft type at the Dutch airline in 2027. At the same time, French pilots have expressed interest in gaining experience with the Boeing 777, in order to establish a reciprocal exchange.
There is also regional collaboration. For example, Air France subsidiary HOP! will be used to partially cover canceled KLM flights in June. Due to the NATO summit, KLM needs to temporarily cancel flights, but due to a lack of available personnel, not all of them can be rescheduled. As a result, KLM’s Embraer aircraft will be temporarily leased to HOP!, which will operate them with its own cockpit and cabin crew.
Within Air France, it is emphasized that this collaboration is crucial for KLM’s future. The Dutch government wants to reduce the number of flights at Schiphol due to environmental and noise concerns. If KLM does not fully utilize its slots, it risks having them permanently revoked.