KLM efficiency drives growth
In its own network, KLM will deploy 2.6% more capacity* in summer 2014 than it did in summer 2013. This growth will largely be achieved within Europe where capacity will be increased by 7.8%. KLM’s international network will grow by 1.5%.
KLM will succeed in achieving growth in its European network by deploying its fleet more efficiently. The network has been adjusted to optimise fleet utilisation and turnaround times have been tightened further. Additionally, KLM’s European fleet will be expanded with a 48th Boeing 737 Next Generation effective summer 2014. Fleet expansion and optimisation will enable KLM to serve 71 European destinations (incl. Amsterdam) in summer 2014 in comparison with only 67 in summer 2013.
In addition to these new destinations, KLM will make seasonal adjustments to capacity in accordance with market demand and will seek to strengthen and, where possible, expand cooperation with partners.
(* ) Capacity measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs).
European network expanded by four new destinations
KLM will be adding four new destinations to its European network in summer 2014. Bilbao (Spain) and Zagreb (Croatia) will both be served daily from 26 May 2014. Turin (Italy) will even be served twice daily from the same date. Florence (Italy) is also new to the KLM summer schedule; KLM began operating a service to this destination in winter.
KLM will also be increasing daily frequencies to a range of destinations. For example, there will now be five daily flights to Bergen (Norway), three daily flights to Moscow (Russia), and Athens (Greece) will be served twice daily.
Reinforcement of existing partnership network in North America
In North America, KLM will be strengthening its position within the existing joint venture network operated by AIR FRANCE KLM, Alitalia and Delta Airlines. For example, KLM will be taking over a direct flight from Amsterdam to New York (USA) from Delta Airlines in summer 2014, now flying three times a day on this route. KLM will also expand service in its Houston (USA) business market to nine frequencies a week.
Growth in Central and South America boosted by strategic cooperation
AIR FRANCE KLM recently announced having entered into far-reaching strategic cooperation with its Brazilian partner GOL. Based on commercial cooperation between Brazil and Europe, KLM can now offer even more destinations in Brazil. KLM’s own network will also be expanded this summer. For example, KLM’s scheduled service to Santiago de Chile (Chile), launched in winter, will continue throughout the summer. Additionally, the frequency of KLM’s service to Quito/Guayaquil (Ecuador) will be raised to a daily flight.
Joint network optimisation with partner Kenya Airways in Africa
KLM’s previously announced intention to expand cooperation with Kenya Airways with effect from 1 January 2014, will continue to take concrete shape in the schedules operated by both partners in summer 2014. The joint network has been optimised and further aligned. For example, Kenya Airways will be deploying its recently acquired Boeing 777-300 on the most important joint route between Nairobi (Kenya) and Amsterdam. This aircraft also boasts the latest on-board product. With effect from summer 2014, KLM will be increasing frequencies to Cape Town (South Africa), currently served directly from Amsterdam five times a week.
Stabilisation and optimisation of Middle East and Asian network
Despite fierce competition, KLM will succeed in maintaining its position in the Middle East in summer 2014. This will also be driven by the successful codeshare agreement between AIR FRANCE KLM and partner Etihad Airways. Supported by this cooperation, KLM is now in a better position to offer its passengers destinations within Oceania (incl. Australia).
KLM will also be making a number of adjustments within its Asian network to better meet market demand. For example, both Hong Kong (China) and Seoul (Korea) will be served on the basis of a different time schedule and KLM will be expanding its scheduled service – launched in summer 2013 – to Fukuoka (Japan) to four times a week during the peak season. KLM has also expanded a number of codeshare agreements with various partners, making it possible to offer even more destinations within Asia.
source:- Airfrance KLM
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