KLM has received final approval for its “crucial” E3.4b loan package from the Dutch government. The airline states in a 6 November stock-exchange notice that following agreements with eight trade unions, it has now “satisfied a key requirement” for accessing the aid, “ensuring final approval” of the government loan package. ”KLM is in the midst of the worst crisis in its 101-year history, with the Covid-19 pandemic eroding its strong performance of recent years,” says the carrier. “The E3.4b loan package, consisting of a government loan and guarantees on bank loans, is crucial to securing the future of the airline and its network for the Netherlands.” One of the conditions of the aid was that all KLM employees agreed to adjust certain employment conditions for the duration of the loan, which is set to last until 2025. The airline earlier this month reached agreement with the unions representing its flight attendants, ground personal and pilots – the last hurdle it needed to overcome to receive the funds. “The outline agreements define the austerity measures that will apply until early 2022 (for cockpit crews) and late 2022 (for ground and cabin personnel),” says KLM. <br/>
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Air France KLM Group has formally inaugurated its new regional headquarters at Dubai Airport Freezone. The Air France KLM team relocated to the new offices in Dubai Airport Freezone on 1st November 2020. The entire regional team is now based at the new offices, including general management, human resources, finance, commercial, UAE country management and regional sales support. In addition, Air France Industries management team have also relocated with the team, from the former offices at the Al Shoala Complex in Deira, to the new DAFZA location which is designed to support the group’s sustainability goals. “The inauguration of the group’s new headquarters at the heart of the world’s leading aviation sector is an affirmation of Dubai’s strategic position. It highlights Dubai’s ability to continue its growth and overcome challenges by attracting global players in the sector,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) and President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. The new ‘flex work office’ provides a more flexible and relaxed workplace with fewer fixed stations and offices. This allows people more freedom to work in a more relaxed environment, as the team continues to move back safely to the office from the remote working format. Most importantly, Air France KLM aims to make the new office part of the sustainability programme, which is at the top of the group’s global agenda, and to contribute to its social responsibility activities and reduce the carbon footprint. This forms part of its commitment to the vision of a sustainable industry, which values and respects the environment.<br/>