SME Transport Awards 2019

6 SME NEWS / SME Transport Awards 2019 Air France-KLM is proud to be able to offer the SMEs an indispensable choice as a result of its regional departure points, linking the UK businesses to an extensive global network of more than over 300 destinations. This worldwide connectivity assists economic development in the regions, with on average 100 flights per day from the UK to hubs in Paris and Amsterdam. Looking towards the future, societal and environmental commitment is at the heart of Air France-KLM’s priorities, to reconcile on its growth, social progress and environmental awareness. It concentrates on these four main issues; reducing its environmental impact, integrating sustainable development into its products and services, promoting a responsible human resources policy and contributing to the many developments of the territories where it operates. In light of this effort, The Dow Jones Sustain- ability index (DJSI), the main international index that is evaluating companies on their performance in terms of their sustainable development, has recognised Air France-KLM’ as a leader in the “Airlines” category and the broader “Transport” category sector, for fouteen consecutive years. Air France-KLM is the only airline to be included in the European ranking. To keep relevant in a rapidly developing industry, Air France-KLM continuously invests in new aircraft. A modern fleet allows the group to offer its passengers enhanced comfort, generate significant fuel savings and to meet its corporate sustainability commitments by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution for residents. Customer experience on board flights is also a priority for Air France-KLM. In January, Air France’s unveiled its brand-new Business, Premium Economy and Economy Airbus A330 long-haul travel cabins on select routes. A total of 15 Airbus A330s will be refurbished by the beginning of 2020. KLM is also continuing to deploy its new World Business Class and Economy cabins. As from January 2019, all KLM long-haul flights will offer the new World Business Class, equipped with full flat seats and all the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A330 aircraft will be equipped with the new Economy cabins. This enhancement of the group’s fleet shows its commitment to providing clients with socially responsible methods of transport that are comfortable and safe. Another recent development for the group is the expanded trans-Atlantic joint venture between Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic. Upon completion, Air France KLM will then acquire a 31 per cent stake in Virgin Atlantic. Thanks to this latest partnership, Air France KLM customers now have access to 24 new North America routes which are operated by Virgin Atlantic/Delta departing the UK including connections via London Heathrow or Manchester. This new development offers Virgin Atlantic customers up to 58 new routes from 18 UK airports across the Atlantic via Paris and Amsterdam. The partnership gives customers more flexibility when planning a cross-Atlantic trip, by combining flights operated by Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Delta. Customers booking on a codeshare benefit from seamless connections, and a single booking reference. Customers travelling on codeshare flights will also be able to earn miles, and redeem them via their own airline loyalty scheme. Air France-KLM has recently announced capacity increases on its routes from Cork, Aberdeen, Inverness and Newcastle to Amsterdam and Paris. This commitment to UK regions will see better connections and choice for the group’s passengers and make the airline’s worldwide network more easily accessible for SMEs based outside of the UK and Irish capitals. Ultimately, all these developments show Air France-KLM’s ongoing dedication to strengthening its UK presence, and moving forward the group will continue to enhance this and support the small and medium-sized enterprises across the nation and beyond to travel safely, swiftly and succinctly.