Air France-KLM to expand role of holding company
Air France-KLM Group plans to expand the role of its holding company to encourage greater integration between the Air France and KLM units and allow for the possible acquisition of carriers including Alitalia SpA (Bloomberg, 04-Jul-2011). Under the new structure, Air France CEO Pierre-Henri Gourgeon will remain CEO of Air France-KLM Group, and a new Air France CEO will be appointed. The holding company would also take over functions such as information technology, financial management, purchasing and alliances, spokeswoman Brigitte Barrand said. "The airline wants to evolve to create a real holding company because if we want to have other airlines within the group it makes sense to develop that," Ms Barrand said. The holding structure will remain based in Paris and will be run according to French law, she said.