Air France-KLM expects to operate its full summer flight schedule, despite earlier warnings about possible kerosene shortages. “Air France, KLM and Transavia will transport all their customers this summer,” chief executive Ben Smith said on Wednesday in a statement issued in France.
Smith said the airline group is closely monitoring fuel availability at the airports it serves. “As the French and Dutch governments have indicated in recent weeks, all signals are green for the summer peak in July and August,” he added. The Canadian executive expects the group’s airlines to operate nearly 2,200 flights per day to more than 320 destinations worldwide in the coming months.
His remarks appear aimed at reassuring travellers that they can book flights as normal. The company is launching a promotional campaign in France. It will offer tickets that can be changed free of charge.
The kerosene card
Earlier this year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and others warned of potential kerosene shortages in Europe. The Iran war has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting oil and gas supplies. However, suppliers have since taken measures and assured customers that kerosene deliveries remain secure. Other airlines have also said they do not expect problems and have urged people to book flights as usual.
Marnix Fruitema, chair of the Dutch aviation industry association BARIN, said much of the disruption has been offset by increased imports from countries such as the United States, Nigeria, and Norway. “Based on the latest insights, we currently do not foresee any kerosene shortages this summer,” he said.
KLM did cancel 160 flights to and from Schiphol earlier this year, but this was due to sharply higher fuel prices rather than a shortage. The increased costs made some routes, particularly those served multiple times per day, unprofitable.
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