Dutch state's Air France-KLM raid shows interventionist mood

When Air France’s new Canadian CE met Dutch politicians Feb 15, he unknowingly set in motion a new chapter in European aviation nationalism. Dutch finance minister Wopke Hoekstra had summoned Ben Smith to secure assurances that Air France would keep key routes open at Amsterdam Schiphol and KLM would retain the partial independence it has enjoyed since the airlines merged in 2004. Smith kept his answers brief and non-committal, beating a quick retreat, a person familiar with the matter said. When the Dutch govt felt its demands were not being addressed, it chose to act, leading to Tuesday’s announcement that it was buying a stake in Air France-KLM to match the French state and boost its influence over a group which has seen KLM profits dwarf those of Air France. <br/>