Is Air France as old as KLM?

Air France can’t claim to be as old as KLM, but it is still one of the oldest airlines. It was formed in 1933 as a merger of five smaller French airlines (the oldest of these started in 1918). These were joined by two other airlines over the next 30 years to form this major airline. It was fully nationalized after the Second World War in 1945.

Does Air France fly with KLM?

Together, Air France and KLM carry more than 77 million passengers per year. They operate 548 aircraft, enabling them to fly to 318 destinations in 118 countries. Members of the joint Air France KLM frequent flyer programme Flying Blue earn Miles and claim rewards on both airlines ’routes.

Why did Air France merge with KLM?

The Air France-KLM merger could have happened in 1958 with Lufthansa and Alitalia. KLM's failed attempts at mergers led to financial struggles, with 9/11 making the merger with Air France inevitable. The merger led to cost savings, increased profits, shared loyalty programs, and aircraft swaps between KLM and Air France.