KLM Launches Long-Haul Flights Operated by Air France Pilots

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has launched long-haul flights crewed by Air France pilots for the first time, marking a significant milestone in operational collaboration within the Air France-KLM Group. The arrangement began on July 16, with Air France pilots flying a KLM-operated Boeing 777-200 from Amsterdam Schiphol to New York JFK as Flight KL641.

This partnership will continue through October 25, aligning with the end of the IATA summer schedule. One aircraft on the transatlantic route will consistently be operated by Air France pilots alongside KLM cabin crew throughout this four-month period.

KLM said the move is designed to optimize group-wide resources and ensure full summer flight schedules. “This collaboration will help KLM to operate its scheduled flights this summer. It supplements our capacity, which is good for KLM as a whole,” said KLM COO Maarten Stienen.

The pilot-sharing initiative follows extensive coordination between the two airlines, their respective unions, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

The collaboration also reflects KLM’s efforts to rebalance its post-pandemic pilot allocation. Last year, KLM Cityhopper managing director Maarten Koopmans noted the airline was focused on shifting pilot resources to support long-haul operations, including retraining pilots from regional jets to widebody aircraft.

This marks a notable step in enhancing fleet utilization and cross-airline crew flexibility within the Air France-KLM Group, as both carriers work to meet rising transatlantic travel demand while overcoming staffing and resource constraints.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com