Air France-KLM’s board of directors voted on Thursday to phase out five MD-11s during 2015 and 2016 as part of an ongoing restructuring of its cargo business. As a result, its Amsterdam-based freighter fleet will be reduced to three aircraft by the end of 2016.
The group’s board, which has been evaluating its cargo operation for several months, cited a slower than expected recover in demand. Following the reductions, the group will operate five freighters: two Boeing 777F in Paris and three Boeing 747ERF in Amsterdam. This compares to a total of 14 in 2013. Air France-KLM’s statement said it will remain a “major player” in the Europe cargo sector through its extensive belly network.
“This adjustment of the full-freighter fleet is part of a broader strategic vision designed to increase cargo contribution to the group. Other measures include a strong focus on specialized products such as pharmaceuticals and express, as well as investment in state-of-the-art IT infrastructure and E-developments, further cost reduction and expansion of partnerships,” the airline said in its statement.