Founded in 1919, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is a globally operating airline, active in the Passenger, Cargo and Engineering & Maintenance markets. A merger in 2004 saw Air France KLM listed on the stock exchange in Paris, Amsterdam and New York. Working on the principle of 'one group, two airlines' Air France and KLM, each with their distinctive brands and market position, have since outperformed expectations in terms of synergy achievement, cultural fit and bottom line results.

Background

The framework agreement that forms the backbone of the successful merger of Air France KLM carries the option of certain changes in the governance structure after completion of an initial period of three years. We needed to picture these changes for a clear understanding by, Supervisory Board for approval, Works Council for formal advice, staff, shareholders and the public for acceptance. Nolan, Norton & Co. was our choice to prepare the complete, yet easy to grasp conceptual image of the various options.

Nolan, Norton & Co.

Our choice for Nolan, Norton & Co. has not been a subject of much debate as they have a long and steady track record with KLM as a reliable, knowledgeable, creative, yet down to earth consultancy. As an example, Nolan, Norton & Co. has advised us on a new operating model for transavia.com, the charter / leisure business within the KLM Group, and long before that on a governance structure for KLM uk, meanwhile incorporated in KLM cityhopper. Acquired knowledge about KLM and the world in which we operate is kept up to date and put to good use by Nolan, Norton & Co. in every new assignment. Reliability is what KLM stands for, reliability is what KLM demands from its suppliers. Nolan, Norton & Co. has a track record of delivering what we envisaged at the outset and to deliver on time. We enjoy their system of a single entry point that has the ability to convey the thoughts of many in a team who contribute to the result. KLM partnerships are wide and varied; the relationship with Nolan, Norton & Co. is one of the business partnerships that KLM fosters.