The largest fleet in Europe
Air France-KLM has the largest fleet in Europe with 641 aircraft, of which 621 were operational at March 31, 2009.
A rationalized fleet combining passenger comfort with energy efficiency
Modern
In order to achieve ever-higher standards of passenger safety and comfort, Air France-KLM has invested in modern aircraft with a high level of technical performance. The youth and energy efficiency of its fleet gives the Group a positive long-term operating outlook.
Rationalized
In order to facilitate maintenance operations, the transfer of aircraft between subsidiaries and the joint approach to suppliers, Air France-KLM is equipped with aircraft having harmonized technical characteristics, known as an aircraft ‘family'.
Energy efficient
Air France-KLM has the largest fleet of Boeing 777s in the world. Thanks to this model that is more in keeping with its new environmental standards.
Optimized management thanks to the flexibility of the fleet plan
Flexible financing methods enable Air France-KLM to tailor its fleet plan to demand trends.
An adjustment in the aircraft delivery plan and in investment
In addition to this flexibility and in order to weather the economic crisis, the Group has taken two major measures which have impacted the fleet plan: the rescheduling, over a four-year period, of the delivery of 17 aircraft under firm order initially planned for 2009-10 and 2010-11 and the deferral of the exercise of five options.
These measures also enable an adjustment in the investment plan. At March 31, 2009, fleet investment net of disposals, which had initially been foreseen at €1.3 billion, has been reduced to €800 million. In 2009-10 and 2010-11, respectively, fleet investment net of disposals will be reduced from €1.8 billion to €500 million and from €1.8 billion to €700 million.
Air France-KLM traditionally finances its fleet by acquisition (51%), finance lease (17%) or operating lease (32%). The latter financing method gives it greater flexibility with clauses enabling the restitution of the aircraft or extension of the contracts depending on requirements.
