The Air France-KLM Group at the 2025 Paris Air Show: Innovation, Cooperation, and Collective Ambition

This major event was an opportunity to showcase the Group’s industrial expertise, reaffirm its determination to accelerate the decarbonization of the air transport sector, and highlight the central role of its activities in the French, Dutch, and European economies. 

“Connect France”: A New Strategic Alliance to Strengthen French Connectivity 

One of the highlights of this edition was the launch of “Connect France” in the presence of Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. This unprecedented collaboration between Air France-KLM and Groupe ADP, with the support of the French State, aims to enhance France’s connectivity, improve the customer experience, and accelerate the ecological transition of air transport. 

Benjamin Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM Group – alongside the President of the Republic and Philippe Pascal, Chairman and CEO of Groupe ADP – stated: " With Connect France, we are formalizing this essential approach to better face competition from non-European players who have long understood the importance of air transport for a nation’s global influence and economy. It will also focus on improving the service we deliver to our customers, so that France can maintain its position as a key hub for aviation, with enhanced connectivity that creates local employment.” 

Smoother connections, simplified terminal names, and the ability to jointly offer tourist stopovers in Paris and the Île-de-France region... click here to discover the 10 key measures of the "Connect France" action pact.

Sustainability: A clear Vision and Concrete Actions 

The Air France-KLM Group, which has long been committed to the decarbonization of air transport, multiplied its initiatives and public statements at the Paris Air Show. 

During a keynote address at the Paris Air Lab, Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France, reiterated the airline’s four-pillar decarbonization strategy and emphasized the urgent need for an ambitious European policy on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 

The Air France-KLM Group also signed an agreement with Airbus, enabling the aircraft manufacturer’s employees to reduce the carbon footprint of their business travel by supporting SAF production. This voluntary commitment is part of the Air France-KLM “Corporate SAF” program and aims to develop a transparent, traceable, and verifiable SAF offering.

In parallel, Air France signed the SAF component of the New Energy Systems sector contract with the French government and industry partners. In the presence of Mr. Eric Lombard (Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty), Mr. Marc Ferracci (Minister for Industry and Energy), and Mr. Philippe Tabarot (Minister for Transport), four main objectives were identified: 

• Set national SAF production and consumption targets for 2030 and beyond;
• Develop competitive financing models at French and European levels;
• Support the industrialization of SAF projects and ensure their profitability;
• Launch the first advanced bioSAF and eSAF production projects before 2030. 

A Global Leader in Aircraft Maintenance

At the Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance booth, the week was filled with announcements and the signing of commercial agreements. Key highlights included: 

• AFI KLM E&M and Saudia Group signed a strategic agreement for CFM56-5B engine maintenance, reflecting renewed trust between the two groups.
• EPCOR (a wholly owned AFI KLM E&M subsidiary) and Kuwait Airways extended their cooperation for APU support on Boeing 777 aircraft, strengthening a historic partnership.
• SalamAir entrusted AFI KLM E&M with the support of its LEAP-1A engines, reinforcing the Group’s presence in the Middle East.
• AFI KLM E&M completed the industrialization of the LEAP-1A engine on its upgraded test benches in Paris and Amsterdam, which are now fully operational. This progress strengthens the Group’s leadership in next-generation engine maintenance and prepares for the arrival of the LEAP-1B by the end of summer. 

Also at the AFI KLM E&M booth, the MRO Lab showcased its recognized expertise and cutting-edge innovations in areas like predictive maintenance, 3D printing, augmented reality, and other advanced technological solutions serving the 200 customer airlines around the world. 

Attractiveness and recruitment: Focusing on Tomorrow's talent 

The final days of the Paris Air Show, open to the public from June 20 to 22, offered a unique opportunity to showcase the Group’s professions. 

Visitors were also able to discover the diversity of Air France-KLM’s expertise, engage with passionate employees, and learn about future vocations. Human Resources teams from Air France and Transavia were on site to welcome visitors, answer questions, and provide information on the wide range of career opportunities within the Group. 

Copyright: Guillaume Grandin and Agence Audiovisuelle Air France