Earlier this week, Air France-KLM & SAS signed new codeshare and interlining agreements, as ties between the two sides get closer.
It is understood that this agreement will come into play on September 1, 2024.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
The New Deal Between Air France-KLM & SAS…
From September 1, 2024, the following aspects will happen in the Air France-KLM (AFKL) & SAS (SK) codeshare:
- AFKL will gain access to 33 destinations in Northern Europe beyond SK’s hubs across Copenhagen, Oslo & Stockholm.
- SK will gain access to 33 destinations in the AFKL network from Paris CDG & Amsterdam Schiphol.
Within this also, customers will benefit from the Flying Blue & EuroBonus Loyalty programmes.
Furthermore, this also includes the SkyTeam services & benefits being SkyPriority and additional lounge access.
Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Air France-KLM said the following on the deal:
“These agreements mark an important step towards a close commercial cooperation between Air France, KLM and SAS”.
“By connecting our networks and hubs, our customers will benefit from a broad range of European destinations and high-quality services.”
“We look forward to further developing this relationship and to strengthening our position in the Scandinavian region.”
Adding to this was Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS:
“We are proud to launch codeshare flights with our future SkyTeam partner Air France-KLM today, enhancing our connectivity and offering greater benefits to our loyal customers.”
“The collaboration with Air France-KLM holds great opportunities.”
“It will not only attract new passengers to SAS, but also elevate the SAS’ global visibility and connectivity.”
“We are looking forward to a successful, long-standing collaboration together”.
In The Context of Share Acquisition & SKYTEAM…
SAS has undergone transformative change in the last 12 months or so.
Back in October, it was revealed that the airline would be able to come out of bankruptcy proceedings thanks to Air France-KLM taking a near 20% stake in the airline.
By November, the courts approved the move by the European conglomerate, in a big moment for the Scandinavian carrier.
Furthermore, in March this year, SAS managed to come out of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy thanks to these developments.
In April, it was then revealed that the airline would leave Star Alliance, and transition to SKYTEAM.
So, safe to say, it has been a vital 12 months or so for SK.
Overall…
In conclusion, the new codeshare arrangements between Air France-KLM & SAS will provide vital links for both sides.
On the SK side, it is a continuation of a strategy that will propel them to a new post-bankruptcy era.
It is an exciting development for the carrier, especially with the additional routes they can access, thus bringing more revenue.
Looking ahead, all eyes turn to September to see how the new relationship between the two sides will perform.
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