Translated from Dutch:
http://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/news/?ID=20693
BRUSSELS – Air France/KLM has shown an interest in taking over VLM. This was reported by aviation journalist Arnold Burlage in the Dutch newspaper Telegraaf. AF/KLM is looking to merge the VLM operations with either KLM Cityhopper or Air France Regional. The interest of AF/KLM was confirmed to the Telegraaf by both parties.
If VLM where to merge with one of the regional partners of AF/KLM, it would create the largest regional airline in Europe. VLM is in particular active on the business routes to London City. It is part of the Panta Holdings, owned by Dutch entrpeneur Jaap Rosen Jacobson.
In march it was already reported in British media that British Airways was also considering a take-over bid.
By: Manston Airport - 25th June 2007 at 14:37
I heard that this is not happening at all now?
James
By: Ren Frew - 24th June 2007 at 18:50
Bad, bad, bad news. That is the worst thing that could happen to VLM. They are a very good carrier with reasonable prices and a decent inflight product, better than many other full service airlines I’ve been on recently. They make profits practically every year, so they must be damned well-run as it is. They don’t need taking over by the French.
In my own experience, as soon as something is taken over by the French, the standards go out the window. My internet provider was taken over by the French, and the service is rubbish. One of my favourite restaurants was taken over by the French, and the standards dropped markedly.
VLM is a better carrier than Air France could ever hope to be, and I hope it stays that way.
Are there any other nations outside of the UK and Belgium you approve of… ?
By: Comet - 24th June 2007 at 18:12
Bad, bad, bad news. That is the worst thing that could happen to VLM. They are a very good carrier with reasonable prices and a decent inflight product, better than many other full service airlines I’ve been on recently. They make profits practically every year, so they must be damned well-run as it is. They don’t need taking over by the French.
In my own experience, as soon as something is taken over by the French, the standards go out the window. My internet provider was taken over by the French, and the service is rubbish. One of my favourite restaurants was taken over by the French, and the standards dropped markedly.
VLM is a better carrier than Air France could ever hope to be, and I hope it stays that way.
By: Jet 22 - 19th June 2007 at 15:31
Well 50-80% of VLM passengers are Bussiness people who are based at Canary Wharf.These people fly the same day to places such as Rotterdam for a Day. If this does happen i think it could fail missarbly
By: Richard Taylor - 19th June 2007 at 11:38
VLM should think very carefully about being taken over by KLM.
Air UK found that out to their cost.
Would VLM just become another AMS/CDG feeder operator???
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June 19, 2007 at 8:56 am