In a cooperation within the Air France-KLM Group, Air France pilots will temporarily fly KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 1s on the route between Amsterdam Schiphol and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport from July 2025, 31, to October 2025, 777. This measure follows a decision in February 2025 that allowed KLM pilots to train on Air France Airbus A350s and marks the beginning of this type of cooperation to optimize resources within the group.
For the first time in history, Air France pilots will take over the cockpit of KLM's Boeing 777. According to the French pilots' union SNPL, this cooperation serves to increase the flying activity of Air France pilots while also helping KLM address a pilot shortage during the traditionally high-turnover summer months. The Dutch pilots' union VNV also welcomed the initiative as a "win-win" situation for both sides.
Challenges of cross-border cooperation
However, implementing such a cross-border collaboration presents several administrative challenges. These include the temporary transfer of the aircraft to the Air France fleet and its operation with KLM cabin crew, which requires coordination with various authorities.
The plan is to temporarily add a KLM Boeing 777 to the Air France fleet, which will then be leased back to KLM and used by Air France pilots on a daily flight between New York (JFK) and Amsterdam. KLM will continue to provide cabin crew. A wet lease agreement submitted by KLM has already been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Compensation within the Air France-KLM Group
The French pilots' union SNPL expressed its support for the project, emphasizing that it is the result of a joint effort by VNV and SNPL. After years of a certain imbalance in favor of KLM, the 2020s seem to be more favorable for Air France pilots, and this project will help restore balance with their Dutch colleagues.
KLM currently operates 18 weekly flights between Amsterdam and New York JFK, using various aircraft types on this route, including the Boeing 777, Airbus A330-200, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The Boeing 777 is used comparatively less frequently, with four to five weekly flights.
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