Air France-KLM to increase India capacity, but route profitability remains a challenge

8 July, 2019

Air France-KLM GM Indian subcontinent Jean-Noël Rault said the carrier will increase India seat capacity by more than 25% year-on-year, effective from the winter 2019/20 schedule (PTI, 07-Jul-2019). KLM plans to commence Amsterdam-Bangalore service and increase Amsterdam-Mumbai frequency in Oct-2019, while Air France will increase Paris-Delhi frequency and deploy larger aircraft on Paris-Bangalore and Paris-Mumbai services. Air France-KLM SVP Middle East, Gulf and India Welmer Blom commented: "One of the major challenges in India is the route profitability. From a historical point of view, it has always been a bit of challenge. Our flights are doing well. But the economical performance is always a bit of a concern". Mr Blom said Air France-KLM is expanding in India in response to the collapse of Jet Airways, which was "our Indian partner to expand into this strategic market".