Articles tagged “air france”

KLM CEO Pieter Elbers is honest. He knows some of his employees question why KLM, which is thriving, needs its long-term marriage to Air France. But Elbers knows that in airlines, the biggest carrier usually wins. Plus, he knows there's no other way forward. For better or worse, Air France and KLM are probably together forever.

Many airlines sell premium amenities to customers in coach. But is it worth it? Yes, these are high-margin items, but airlines don't sell that many of them. Most coach customers want only the basics and don't want to pay extra for anything.

Even if they buy first class pajamas, an upgraded meal, and an amenity kit, coach passengers still won't feel like they're in a premium cabin. But at least some airlines are giving travelers the chance to buy up to a better experience. It's cheaper than an upgrade.

Welcome to the very first Skift Airline Innovation Report. Be sure to subscribe so you can receive it every week in your inbox. We'll stay atop current industry trends, and have fun doing it.

Is there a tougher job in the airline industry than making Air France more nimble? It's an airline that prides itself on its systems and procedures. But to compete forcefully in the 21st century, an airline must take chances. Air France needs to be more, in that regard, like its Dutch sibling, KLM.

You may have seen Air France's new airline designed for millennials. But that's mostly a creation of marketers. Let's be honest. This is a lower-cost airline that needs to attract passengers of all ages if it's going to be successful.

Air France might need a low-cost airline. That part makes sense. But why is it trying so hard to attract millennials? Just offer cheap fares and reasonable service, and young people will fly your airline.

The big lesson here is that digital first is the future.

We believe that a partnership between Norwegian and Ryanair makes sense and could take off with few complications. But we don't believe converting long-term rivals to new friends is done easily in aviation. Still, if anyone could argue until this gets done, it would be O'Leary--with credit going to Willie Walsh. That alone is a remarkable thing.

Could the Force side with Air France? With limited availability, it may not pay in ticket revenue, but Star Wars is great brand alignment and is a great distraction from the wars taking place between management and labor at the airline.