The Paris Air Show Returns: A Look Back at Air France-KLM’s Eventful Week

Innovation on display and a flurry of announcements for AFI KLM E&M

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance announced several key partnerships and agreements over the course of the Paris Air Show. Among them, the company signed an agreement with JetBlue to provide full support for over 200 components on the airline’s A220 fleet. AFI KLM E&M was also selected by Airbus Defence & Space to design and implement support services for NATO’s multi-role tanker transport fleet. In addition, the company signed a partnership with Volotea, one of Europe’s fastest-growing independent airlines, to become their largest maintenance partner by supplying 65% of their base maintenance services.

Meanwhile, through its signature MRO Lab program, AFI KLM E&M offered interactive demonstrations of its latest innovations. For example, visitors were able to discover new 3D printing applications for prototyping future parts; how robotization is enhancing non-destructive testing processes; as well as how VR is training technicians on engine run-up. The team also offered a demonstration of Prognos, a proprietary tool and big data analytics solution for predictive maintenance.

Recruitment, Diversity & Inclusion

With more than 2,000 new hires planned across its passenger transport, cargo and maintenance divisions this year, the Group was on site to meet with students, experienced candidates, as well as jobseekers.

Centered around the AFI KLM E&M and Transavia stands, as well as the “Avion des Métiers” careers area, the Group’s current employees and HR teams were on hand to share their passion, answer questions and encourage aspiring candidates to apply for a wide range of open roles, including aeronautical maintenance, business analysis, cabin crew, revenue management and data science.

Air France-KLM also reiterated its commitment to equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. For example, Air France, CRMA Aero Repair, and Transavia respectively took home the 1st place, 3rd place, and “Special Prize” awards from the “Féminisons les métiers de l’aéronautique et du spatial” competition organized by AIREMPLOI, an initiative aimed at encouraging women’s representation in the fields of Aerospace, Aviation and Airports. The contest recognized teams of middle school and high school girls, along with their partner companies that provided mentorship and encouragement to seek out opportunities in the industry.

Sustainability front and center

The topic of decarbonization was ubiquitous at this year’s Paris Air Show.

Air France-KLM was present at the Paris Air Lab, a 1,000 m2 space dedicated to the planes, air transport, and aviation industry of tomorrow, in addition to new decarbonized energy sources. The Group leveraged this occasion to express its intention to become a leader in decarbonized aviation and its objective to reduce CO₂ emissions by 30% per passenger-kilometer by 2030 compared to 2019.

One of Air France-KLM’s key decarbonization levers is through fleet renewal, with the goal of 64% new-generation aircraft by 2028. To bring that commitment to life, visitors were able to tour the “Pauillac” – Air France’s 25th A220 out of a total order of 60 – and had the opportunity to meet cabin crew and pilots. The new A220 consumes 20% less fuel and generates 34% less noise than its predecessors.

The second decarbonization lever is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Air France-KLM highlighted current hurdles to the industry’s transformation and insisted on the importance of increasing production and bringing down the price of sustainable aviation fuel, especially in Europe and France. Moreover, Air France-KLM welcomed the French President’s pre-Paris Air Show declarations of support for the development of a sustainable aviation fuel production industry in France, representing an important lever for job creation and the country’s energy independence.

These announcements came on the heels of Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith’s recent remarks to the press, in which he shared the Group’s intention and strategy to become a leader in decarbonized aviation.

The Air France-KLM Group’s objective is to incorporate at least 10% SAF on board its aircraft by 2030, exceeding the obligations set by the European Commission. To that end, on June 22nd the Group also announced its support for a new Memorandum of Unrdestanding signed by EDF, Holcim, IFPEN (IFP Energies Nouvelles), and Axens to develop “Take Kair”, an innovative industrial e-kerosene pilot in France, to meet the needs of the new French e-SAF industry.

Award-winning customer experience

This edition of the Paris Air Show was also the opportunity for Air France-KLM Group to take home several prizes from the Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony.

For the third year in a row, Air France was voted Best Airline in Western Europe. The company was also ranked 7th Best Airline in the World, up from 8th last year, and received three additional first-place awards for its La Première service: Best First Class Airport Lounge, Best First Cass Airline Lounge Catering and Best First Class Onboard Catering. Air France was also voted Best Business Class Lounge in Europe.

As for Transavia, the company was voted Best Low-Cost Airline in Western Europe.