Air France/KLM Group good quarter results

[Ludo]

Air France/KLM Group said improvements in both passenger and cargo revenues pushed consolidated turnover up 12.3% to eur4.46 billion for the first quarter of the fiscal year ending next March 31. This compared to pro forma turnover of eur3.97 billion in last year's first quarter, which was impacted by SARS and the Iraq war. The company said both airlines contributed to the improved results for the quarter, with Air France's turnover climbing 11.8% to eur3.36 billion and KLM's rising 14.3% to eur1.1 billion. The performance also reflects the "very first positive effects" of the combination of the AF and KLM networks. As from June 1, passengers have had equal access to AF's offer at Paris CDG and to KLM's offer via Amsterdam owing to the combination of fares, which has "significantly strengthened the group's competitive position." Consolidated passenger revenue climbed 12.4% to eur3.3 billion. The company said all segments except for the Caribbean and Indian Ocean contributed positively to the performance.