The merger of Air France and KLM was never really harmonious. Since the merger in 2004, the internal relationship has been characterized by rivalries and mutual accusations. In terms of numbers, the Dutch part of the group performed much better. The corona pandemic is now putting the common future to the test.

In Amsterdam there were repeated ideas that aimed to separate KLM. The reason for this was simple: the Dutch flew profitably, losses were made in France and various series of strikes were not at all well received in Amsterdam. The longer the corona crisis drags on, the more the role of the respective government will come into play. Both the Netherlands and France are involved in Air France-KLM.

Opposite Bloomberg, the French Secretary of State for Transport, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, asked whether they “really want an integrated company or not”. We are currently in a phase in which it is being worked out how the group can get back on its feet. It seems that the form in which the two states will support is also up for discussion. Nationalization is not ruled out. In extreme cases, this could lead to the separation of Air France and KLM.

The Dutch Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra also questions the common future and even says that it would not be a real, joint group of companies. He does not rule out a possible separation and thinks that you have to rethink a possible future together. How the matter develops and whether a divorce may result remains to be seen. In any case, the climate between France and the Netherlands is very tense when it comes to Air France-KLM.