The Air-France-KLM Group makes a substantial contribution to the Dutch and French economies. The annual economic contribution is more than 70 billion euros and more than 820,000 jobs. This is the conclusion of a study commissioned by Air France-KLM on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the airline combination. The airline combination generates 2.3% of the Dutch gross domestic product (GDP) and 1.9% of French GDP. Even more figures: 267,990 jobs in the Netherlands and 552,570 jobs in France depend on Air France-KLM (direct, indirect, multiplier). For every job created by Air France-KLM, 9.2 additional jobs are created in the Dutch economy and 11 jobs in the French economy. The Air France-KLM Group achieved net income of 0.9 billion euros in fiscal year 2023, while the total economic impact is estimated at 21.9 billion euros in the Netherlands and 48.9 billion euros in France; or 1,228 euros per year per inhabitant in the Netherlands and 723 euros per year per inhabitant in France. Every euro invested by Air France-KLM generates 3.4 euros for the Dutch economy. In France, it is 3.6 euros per euro invested. These economic benefits consist of direct investment, direct and indirect employment, and the purchase of products and services from local suppliers. Air France-KLM’s contribution to the Dutch economy consists mainly of connecting the country with the rest of the world. KLM has built one of the world’s most effective transport hubs at Schiphol, effectively connecting the Dutch capital to 160 destinations. This far exceeds the natural potential of its home market. “This makes the Netherlands one of the best-connected economic centers in the world, which creates a favorable business climate for international organizations and companies that establish or maintain their headquarters in the Netherlands,” Air France-KLM writes in a statement. “Air France-KLM’s operations in the Netherlands also support Dutch exports, from flowers to pharmaceuticals, particularly through the Group’s cargo division, Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo.” The study was commissioned by Air France-KLM and carried out by Professor Herbert Castéran, professor and director of the Institut Mines Télécom Business School. (Photo: Shutterstock).
