Airlines Air France-KLM and Jet Airways extend cooperation

The new agreement will strengthen the existing partnership between the three airlines. A first cooperation agreement was signed in 2014. This cooperation was expanded in 2016 with an extensive code-share agreement for connections between Europe and North America and Jet Airways’ hubs at Mumbai and Delhi in India via Air France-KLM’ hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

Jean-Marc Janaillac, Chairman and CEO of Air France-KLM stated: “Air France-KLM and Jet Airways are launching the first cooperation agreement of its kind on the India – Europe market, one of the markets at the heart of the group’s strategy for the coming years. We are innovating within the airline industry by offering connections between two partnerships for the first time: our enhanced cooperation agreement for India - Europe with Jet Airways and the Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines’ Europe - North American joint venture. Jet Airways, Air France, KLM, and, Delta Air Lines will thus connect India to a vast transatlantic network via the Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol hubs.”

The new agreement includes new connections, increased capacity and improved connection opportunities on flights between Europe and India. Air France-KLM and Jet Airways will coordinate its sales activities to increase profit and revenue on flights between Europe and India. Passengers will be able to book connection flights to 44 Indian and 106 European cities. This agreement will complement the Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines’ transatlantic partnership between Europe and North America, offering access to over 200 destinations in North America.

Jet Airways operates a fleet of over 100 aircraft from its main hubs in Mumbai and Dehli. Etihad Airways bought a 24% stake in the Indian carrier in 2013. In 2016 Jet Airways has moved its former European hub from Brussels Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol, offering connection flights to Toronto Airport.

Jet Airways and Air India are facing heavy competition from Gulf carriers like Emirates which offer connection flights via their Middle East hubs. Additionally, low cost carriers like IndiGo, Spicejet are growing on the domestic Indian Market. Earlier this year Jet Airways and Air-France KLM’s competitor Lufthansa have announced a first cooperation.