Air France and Delta Air Lines have announced plans to select a new ground handling partner at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, ending their collaboration with KLM for below-the-wing operations. This strategic decision involves critical activities such as baggage loading and unloading.
KLM revealed that it is currently assessing the financial and employment-related implications of this development. The move comes in the wake of recent strikes by KLM ground handling staff, which predominantly affected Amsterdam Schiphol and led to multiple flight cancellations. KLM acknowledged that these disruptions significantly influenced Air France and Delta’s decision to seek an alternative partner.
The KLM ground service staff strikes have indeed caused operational challenges and financial losses, leading both Air France and Delta to explore other options. The airlines estimate they have suffered millions of euros in damages due to the impact on their services and customer dissatisfaction.
Despite these developments, KLM, Air France, and Delta continue to be intertwined through their alliance under the Air France-KLM Group. Nevertheless, the break from KLM for ground services marks a significant shift in their partnership dynamics.
A planned strike by KLM staff was put on hold as the airline sought to resolve its ongoing negotiations with union representatives from FNV and CNV. Despite the union CNV disputing the connection between the layoffs and the strikes, KLM emphasized that the impact of the strikes cannot be overlooked in this decision-making process.
Air France and Delta will be initiating a tender process to receive proposals from other ground handling service providers to assume responsibilities at Schiphol Airport. This move is expected to have immediate operational impacts on KLM’s Ground Services department as the airline navigates the transition.
As the situation unfolds, all parties involved will look to minimize further disruptions and ensure continuity of services at one of Europe’s busiest airports. KLM’s management aims to resolve the disputes and reassure both passengers and staff as they adapt to these significant changes.