KLM-AF merger is approved by EU

Originally posted by tenthije
Many people in the world know KLM. Besides, many people in the world will be hard pressed flying Air France. In particular on one side of the atlantic ;). The brandname KLM is very strong in the US. The brandname Air France is strong as well, but I get the impression it is not as strong.

“I concurr, message is authentic.” (Crimson Tide)

Why would a fleet restructuring be necessary? After all, Air France is quite contend operating every long-range planetype there is. So why not extend that policy to the short range as well. Air France A320s, KLM B737s and later on Alitalia MD80s.

More serioulsy though, I think that a rationalization is imminent. Not soon mind you, but it will happen. I guess, and hope dare I say it, that the A320 family will be the Skyteam’s workhorse. The idea of this will most likely sent shivers over the back of many a KLM employee.

I do not think a new livery, let alone a name, will be necessary. The trading names are very important assets, perhaps even more important than the planes themselves. They are a marketing tool of large value. Many people in the world know KLM. Besides, many people in the world will be hard pressed flying Air France. In particular on one side of the atlantic ;). The brandname KLM is very strong in the US. The brandname Air France is strong as well, but I get the impression it is not as strong.

Also, in the UK KLM is very well accepted. Just think of the Cityhopper fleet that is very devoted to serving the backwaters of the UK (sorry if this offends anyone).

These are reputations build up over decades. In the case of KLM many decades! Throwing away that is just silly. Changes will be made no doubt, but nothing as far fetched as changing names. (unless Air France changes their name to KLM of course :D)

can see a new ‘European’ name emerging – most likey with a Euro-white livery 😀

Economies of scale for this new airline would be huge but I’d imagine the integration to be a complete logistical and personnel nightmare – imagine fleet restructuring and teams from both airline having to work together :p

KLM has been guaranteed that their name will continue for the next 5 years. After that we will have to see. Personally i think that KLM will stay as it is a very well known brand. Its a marketing goldmine. Others think that 5 years from now KLM will be renamed.

I imagine that eventually there will be a new all encompassing name and livery applied to both fleets, unless of course the AF staff take the huff and refuse to work unless everything says FRANCE on it. 😀

Of course if everything becomes KLM then those sneaky AF pilots will still be able to take photos from the cockpit without risking an AF enquiry on their backs. Whatever happens, they ought to be thinking of a livery that will make their planes look cleaner than they do at the moment.

Any suggestions for what a joint Franco-Dutch massive international airline might be called ?

I think so.

So that means planes will still be painted in KLM colours, and not all in Air France colours, right?

As far as I heard , the brand “KLM” will survive 🙂

lol, i think you mean the beginning of the end?

The end of the begining I am afraid.

and so it begins….

….i hope this ends well.