The largest fleet in Europe
At March 31, 2010, the Air France-KLM group fleet comprised 625 aircraft, of which 594 were operational compared with, respectively, 641 and 621 aircraft at March 31, 2009.
A pro-active fleet policy
The Air France-KLM group pursues a pro-active fleet policy whose objective is to ensure a fleet scaled in line with traffic growth and achieve technological consistency while reducing its environmental impact.
The fleet policy is established according to the following four key principles:
- to meet the need for fleet renewal and expansion;
- to remain compatible with the Group's financial capacity;
- to preserve the asset value of the fleet over the medium and long term;
- to retain an adequate level of flexibility in the fleet plan.
Adjusting the fleet plan and investment
As a result of the reduction in capacity, the Group has revised its fleet plan. While continuing to take delivery of new aircraft to pursue the modernization of the fleet aimed at enhanced passenger comfort and respecting its environmental commitments, the Group has negotiated a deferral in the delivery of certain aircraft. During 2009-10, the Group continued to scale back its investment plan, and principally investment in the fleet.
Air France-KLM traditionally finances its fleet by acquisition (47%), finance lease (18%) or operating lease (35%). The latter financing method gives it greater flexibility with clauses enabling the restitution of the aircraft or extension of the contracts depending on requirements.
