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PARIS- Air France-KLM has revised its Airbus A350F freighter order, reducing it from eight to six units.
Despite this change, the airline group maintains its hybrid cargo strategy, combining dedicated freighters with belly cargo in passenger aircraft.
Photo: Air France-KLM’s Top Management Introduced RPA | UiPathAir France-KLM Cancels 2 A350F
Air France-KLM confirmed it will now receive three Airbus A350F aircraft for Air France (AF) and three for Martinair (MP), the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) cargo subsidiary.
This reduction trims their original plan of four A350Fs per carrier. The company emphasized this adjustment aligns with its current cargo strategy.
“This does not mean any change in strategy. We will continue to operate our hybrid model of freighter aircraft combined with belly cargo on Air France-KLM Group’s passenger aircraft,” a spokesperson stated.
The revised order follows the airline’s 2024 financial report, which showed a 4.1% increase in cargo volumes year-on-year. However, freight revenue declined 3.9% compared to 2023.
Photo: Clément AlloingFY24 Financial Result
Air France-KLM reported an operating profit of €1.6 billion with an operating margin of 5.1%. Group revenues reached €31.5 billion, reflecting a 4.8% increase compared to 2023.
Operating cash flow stood at €446 million despite the impact of negative working capital arising from pandemic-related deferrals.
Adjusted recurring operating free cash flow improved significantly, reaching €271 million — a €317 million increase from the previous year.
Net debt rose to €7.4 billion, primarily due to new lease arrangements tied to fleet renewal and delays in aircraft deliveries. This aligns with the group’s targeted leverage ratio of 1.5x to 2.0x.
Fleet Renewal
Fleet renewal remained a key focus for Air France-KLM in 2024. By year-end, 27% of the group’s fleet comprised new-generation aircraft, with plans to increase this share to 80% by 2030.
In 2024, the group introduced several new aircraft models into its fleet, including 8 Airbus A350s, 10 Airbus A321neos, 9 Airbus A320neos, 9 Airbus A220s, 4 Embraer 195-E2s, and 1 Boeing 787-10.
Meanwhile, older aircraft such as 2 Airbus A380s, 3 Airbus A330-200s, 2 Boeing 737-800s, and 4 Boeing 737-700s were phased out to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.
Sustainability Initiatives
Air France-KLM intensified its sustainability efforts by increasing its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
SAF accounted for 1.25% of the group’s total fuel consumption in 2024, marking a 13.6% increase from 2023.
To support this growth, Air France-KLM entered into a long-term agreement with TotalEnergies to secure up to 1.5 million tons of SAF over the next decade.
The group also improved its greenhouse gas emissions intensity, reducing it by 0.9% year-on-year to reach 928 gCO₂eq/RTK.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrFuture Outlook
Looking ahead to 2025, Air France-KLM forecasts a capacity increase of 4-5% compared to 2024.
Unit costs are projected to rise slightly, and capital expenditures are expected to range between €3.2 billion and €3.4 billion.
The group aims to maintain its leverage ratio within the targeted range of 1.5x to 2.0x, ensuring financial stability and continued investment in strategic initiatives.
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