Air France-KLM, Air Europa to form joint venture

Air France-KLM and fellow SkyTeam member Air Europa intend to extend their existing codeshare into a joint venture (JV), covering flights between Europe and Central and South America.

Air France and Air Europa, which have been codesharing since 2003, currently cooperate on 21 European routes. Likewise, KLM has 19 codeshares with Madrid-based Air Europa, under a partnership that began in 2002.

“Both parties are currently conducting an integral analysis of a deeper and expanded cooperation, aiming at a JV agreement between Air France-KLM and Air Europa between Europe and Central/South America to strengthen the joint offer to customers,” the airlines said in a statement.

An in-depth legal analysis is already underway to establish the terms of the new agreement, and ensure it meets all regulatory requirements.

Air France-KLM and Air Europa said the extended partnership will provide improved connectivity, better seat availability and “a basis to launch new routes and direct flights” between the two continents.

The move forms part of Air France-KLM’s Trust Together profitability drive, which has seen the group expand its network of partnerships.