KLM Ground Services Ltd / AFSL Air France Services Ltd (MERGING) LHR T4

[andi_uk]

Does anyone know what's going on between them? I know they have already signed the agreement and the rumors are that they could be renamed as SkyTeam Handling or something like that...... the 21st of jan they will have a meeting in PAR to decide every thing.... AFSL made redundant more than 60 people after they have lost SU recently (Air France/KLM Group not very happy about AFSL because they don't make money in LHR while it seem that KLM can make more money than expected)!!!!

All SkyTeam partner will move in T4 ........

Does anybody know more news???? If so please do tell!

Thanks. Andi.

[aex]

The story has been around since a the Air France-KLM merger. It will be interesting to see how big the ground handling market in terminal 4 will be. If the 2 merge (very likely) they will also "compete" with Alitalia Servizi and possibly Menzies. However, it will also depend how many non Sky Team airlines will fly out of T4.

Who handles SU now?

[Otterman]

T4 is/will be totally Skyteam. So in the end only one handling company will be around. This will be Skyteam. It will be taking people from the old companies, up to what is required, the rest will be let go. Eventhough Alitalia is a Skyteam member its service company will get streamlined promptly. The people that are required for the new Skyteam handling company will be offered a position the rest will be let go. Alitalia Servizi will not be a presence anymore.

[Skipness One Echo]

T4 is/will be totally Skyteam.

No it won't. It will also have all the non aligned carriers.

[aex]

Otteman if Alitalia Servizi will be merged with AFSL-KLM Ground Services that will take place in about 5 years time (if Alitalia will become part of Air France-KLM). The new Alitalia does not plan to sell Alitalia Servizi at the moment. As T4 will not just be Sky Team there will be market for other handlers too, and in any case Alitalia Servizi also operates in Terminal 3.

[andi_uk]

Today in our Crew Room....


Company notice AFSL and KGS


22 January 2009

To all employees within AFSL and KGS,

It is a great honor to inform you that yesterday in the Air France/KLM Group Executive Committee, our respective shareholders Air France and KLM have reconfirmed and finalized our merger plans.

Air France Services Ltd and KLM Ground Services Ltd will legally merge on the 1st April 2009.

We will operate as a strong unified handling company with three initial bases: T2 at London Heathrow Airport (until completion of the move to T4 scheduled for end of October this year) T4 at London Heathrow Airport and London City, We will cherish our roots and our airline experience of Air France and KLM, yet position ourselves with a new neutral brand. We will handle SkyTeam and non SkyTeam airlines at equal footing, aiming for all airline customers to add positive financial contribution to our results.

We can announce that the initial shareholder construction of the company has been decided to be 60% KLM and 40% Air France.

The announcement of the brand and the initial management structure (per 1st April) is expected to be made to our respective unions and all staff on the 6th of February.

Our merger will be a step by step approach strengthening itself in the coming months and years.

We will build upon our expertise and strengths, yet we also need to adapt to new circumstances fast and deliver the best possible service to all our airline customers, while controlling costs carefully in a highly competitive marketplace. We strongly believe that unified we stand a much better chance of success in this very challenging industry and we look forward to the active support of all employees.

Your support, service attitude and focus on the future, is a key ingredient to our success!

Thank you for your determination and contribution.

Your sincerely,



-------------------------
Managing Director AFSL


------------------------
Managing Director KGS

[aex]

Any rumours about the new name?

[British Grenadier]

How about SHAFTED :cool:

[cgsblue]

The new name is Cobalt Ground Solutions. Also some 42 airlines are expected to operate out of T4 and as many as 6 handling agents. So not fully operated by SkyTeam members.

[aex]

The website is now on, not bad at all:

Home (http://www.cobaltgs.com/)

Just a quick question:

From the link below it appears that they don't have ramp handling in London City. If so, what company/companies provide ramp handling there?

London City (http://www.cobaltgs.com/london_city/)

[SASfox]

I've got an interview on Thursday. What's the new company like to work for? What airlines do they handle?

[amandini]

Hi I saw on the thread you have an interview with Cobalt this week. I have looked on the website but they do not seem to be recruiting from there. Are you able to let me know where you saw the advertisement?

Good luck with the interview

Many thanks

[SASfox]

Amandini, check your private mail

[British Grenadier]

How the hell are you going to get 42 Airlines in T4 ??????

[British Grenadier]

Heard from a freind there was a comp to find a new name , one comedian at Air France suggested " Frogs in clogs " made me laugh :p so from this day hence Cobbalt will be known as " Frogs in clogs " !!