Air France Pilots Begin Operating KLM’s New York–Amsterdam Flights

Air France pilots will fly KLM’s Amsterdam–New York route daily from July 16 to October 25, 2025, addressing KLM’s pilot shortage. Passengers experience no booking changes, while KLM cabin crew continue service. The operation is temporary and approved by European and US aviation authorities.

Key Takeaways

• From July 16 to October 25, 2025, Air France pilots fly KLM’s New York–Amsterdam route daily.
• This joint operation addresses KLM pilot shortages, maintaining summer flight schedules without cancellations.
• Passengers see no booking or service changes; KLM cabin crew serve while Air France pilots fly.

A major change has taken place in European aviation this summer: for the first time, Air France pilots are operating KLM’s New York–Amsterdam flights. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the timeline, what travelers and airline staff need to do, and what this means for the future of airline operations and immigration procedures. The move is not just about flying planes—it’s about how airlines, workers, and passengers adapt to new ways of working together across borders.

What Has Changed: Air France Pilots on KLM’s New York–Amsterdam Flights

Air France Pilots Begin Operating KLM’s New York–Amsterdam Flights
Air France Pilots Begin Operating KLM’s New York–Amsterdam Flights

Starting July 16, 2025, Air France pilots began flying KLM’s daily service between Amsterdam Schiphol and New York JFK. The first flight under this new arrangement, KL641, left Amsterdam at 1:25 PM local time. This is the first time in history that Air France pilots and KLM cabin crew have worked together on a KLM-branded flight. The flights use a KLM Boeing 777-200 aircraft, and the arrangement will last until October 25, 2025, covering the busy summer travel season.

This change is a direct response to pilot shortages at KLM. By using Air France pilots, the Air France-KLM Group can keep its full summer schedule without canceling flights or reducing service. The move is temporary and was approved after careful talks with unions and aviation authorities.

Who Is Affected by This Change?

This new arrangement affects several groups:

  • Passengers flying between Amsterdam and New York JFK with KLM from July 16 to October 25, 2025
  • Air France pilots who are now assigned to operate KLM flights on this route
  • KLM cabin crew who continue to serve passengers on these flights
  • KLM and Air France ground staff who must coordinate new procedures
  • Unions and labor groups representing pilots and cabin crew
  • Aviation authorities in the European Union 🇪🇺, the Netherlands 🇳🇱, France 🇫🇷, and the United States 🇺🇸

For passengers, the most noticeable change is that the pilots in the cockpit are from Air France, while the cabin crew remains KLM. All other aspects of the flight—such as check-in, boarding, and in-flight service—remain the same as before.

Effective Dates and Timeline

  • Start Date: July 16, 2025 (first joint flight KL641)
  • End Date: October 25, 2025 (end of the summer schedule)
  • Frequency: Daily flights between Amsterdam and New York JFK

This arrangement is set for the summer only. After October 25, 2025, KLM will review the results and decide whether to continue, expand, or end the joint pilot operations.

Required Actions for Travelers and Airline Staff

For Passengers:

  • No change in booking process: Travelers book KLM flights as usual, either through the KLM website, travel agents, or partner airlines.
  • Travel documents: Standard passport, visa, and ESTA requirements for travel between the European Union 🇪🇺 and the United States 🇺🇸 still apply. For official information on travel requirements, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
  • Check-in and boarding: No changes. Passengers check in with KLM and follow normal airport procedures.
  • In-flight experience: KLM cabin crew provide the same service as always. The only difference is that Air France pilots are flying the plane.

For Air France Pilots:

  • Assignment: Selected Air France pilots are scheduled to operate KLM’s Amsterdam–New York flights.
  • Training and certification: Pilots must be certified to fly the KLM Boeing 777-200 and follow KLM’s operational procedures.
  • Pre-flight coordination: Air France pilots and KLM cabin crew hold joint briefings before each flight to ensure smooth teamwork and safety.

For KLM Cabin Crew:

  • Duties: Continue to serve passengers and manage the cabin as usual.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with Air France pilots, following KLM’s safety and service standards.

For Airline Management and Staff:

  • Scheduling: KLM and Air France scheduling teams must coordinate pilot and crew rosters.
  • Feedback: Both airlines collect feedback from pilots, cabin crew, and passengers to monitor the success of the arrangement.

For Unions and Authorities:

  • Oversight: Unions monitor the arrangement to protect labor agreements and working conditions.
  • Compliance: Aviation authorities ensure all safety, licensing, and labor rules are followed.

Implications for Pending Applications and Immigration Procedures

For most travelers, this change does not affect visa or immigration requirements. Passengers flying between Amsterdam and New York JFK must still meet all standard entry rules for the United States 🇺🇸 and the European Union 🇪🇺. This includes:

  • Valid passport
  • ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for eligible travelers to the United States 🇺🇸
  • U.S. visa if required for your nationality
  • Schengen visa for non-EU travelers entering the Netherlands 🇳🇱

If you have a pending visa application or ESTA request, this operational change does not affect your process. You should continue to follow the instructions from the U.S. or Dutch authorities. For official forms and up-to-date information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s visa page.

Background: Why Did This Change Happen?

The Air France-KLM Group has been working toward closer integration since their merger in 2004. However, until now, pilots and cabin crew from each airline operated separately. This was due to complex rules about pilot licensing, union agreements, and national regulations.

In February 2025, KLM received approval to temporarily use Air France pilots on certain routes. The main reason was a shortage of KLM pilots, especially during the busy summer season. By sharing pilots, the group can keep more flights running and avoid disruptions for passengers.

Maarten Stienen, KLM’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “This collaboration will help KLM to operate its scheduled flights this summer. It supplements our capacity this summer, which is good for KLM as a whole. I am proud that we have made this possible within the Air France-KLM Group. I wish all my colleagues on the route a safe flight and a pleasant collaboration.”

How Does the Joint Operation Work?

Here’s how the new arrangement works, step by step:

  1. Pilot Assignment: Air France pilots are scheduled to operate specific KLM flights between Amsterdam and New York JFK.
  2. Pre-Flight Briefing: Before each flight, Air France pilots and KLM cabin crew meet to discuss the flight plan, safety procedures, and passenger service.
  3. Flight Operations: Air France pilots fly the KLM Boeing 777-200, following KLM’s rules and safety protocols.
  4. Cabin Service: KLM cabin crew manage the passenger cabin, provide meals, and handle customer needs.
  5. Post-Flight Review: After each flight, feedback is collected from both pilots and cabin crew to identify any issues and improve future operations.

What Does This Mean for Passengers?

For most travelers, the experience will feel the same as any other KLM flight. The main difference is that the pilots are from Air France, not KLM. All safety, service, and operational standards remain KLM’s. Passengers can expect:

  • Same check-in and boarding process
  • KLM’s in-flight service and amenities
  • No changes to frequent flyer benefits or ticketing
  • All safety and regulatory standards fully met

If you have questions about your flight, you can contact KLM Customer Service through their official website.

Why Is This a Big Deal for European Aviation?

This is the first time two major European airlines have shared pilots and cabin crew on a branded service. It shows that airlines can work together more closely, even across national borders and different labor agreements. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move could set a new standard for how airlines manage staff shortages and busy travel seasons.

Aviation experts say this could lead to:

  • More flexible use of pilots and crew across airline groups
  • Better service for passengers, with fewer canceled flights
  • New ways for airlines to handle labor shortages
  • Possible changes to union agreements and labor laws in the future

Unions have agreed to this arrangement for now, but they are watching closely to make sure it does not become permanent without proper talks. Regulators in the European Union 🇪🇺, France 🇫🇷, the Netherlands 🇳🇱, and the United States 🇺🇸 have approved the plan, as long as all safety and labor rules are followed.

What Happens Next?

The joint operation will continue until October 25, 2025. After that, KLM and Air France will review the results. They will look at:

  • How well the pilots and crew worked together
  • Passenger feedback and satisfaction
  • Any safety or operational issues
  • Impact on labor agreements and staff morale

If the results are positive, the Air France-KLM Group may consider expanding the program to other routes or aircraft types, especially during times of high demand or staff shortages. Other European airline groups are watching closely, as this could change how airlines across the continent manage their crews and schedules.

Key Points for Travelers and Airline Staff

  • No changes to visa or immigration rules for passengers on these flights
  • Air France pilots are flying KLM’s Amsterdam–New York route from July 16 to October 25, 2025
  • KLM cabin crew continue to serve passengers as usual
  • Flights operate daily with a KLM Boeing 777-200
  • All safety, service, and regulatory standards remain in place
  • Unions and authorities are monitoring the arrangement to protect workers’ rights and passenger safety

Where to Find More Information

For official updates and news about this arrangement, visit the KLM Official Newsroom. For questions about travel documents or entry requirements, check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or the U.S. Department of State’s visa page.

Summary Table: Key Details of the Air France-KLM Joint Operation

Aspect Details (as of July 17, 2025)
Start Date July 16, 2025
End Date October 25, 2025
Aircraft KLM Boeing 777-200
Route Amsterdam (AMS) – New York JFK
Pilots Air France pilots
Cabin Crew KLM
Frequency Daily
Purpose Address crew shortages, maximize group resources
Regulatory Status Approved by relevant authorities

Actionable Takeaways

  • Travelers: Book your KLM flights as usual. Make sure your passport, ESTA, or visa is valid for travel between the European Union 🇪🇺 and the United States 🇺🇸.
  • Air France pilots and KLM crew: Follow new joint procedures and provide feedback to management.
  • Unions and authorities: Continue to monitor the arrangement and ensure all agreements and safety rules are respected.
  • Pending visa applicants: No changes to your process. Check official government websites for updates.

This summer’s joint operation between Air France pilots and KLM on the New York–Amsterdam flights is a historic step in European aviation. It shows how airlines can work together to solve staffing challenges and keep flights running smoothly for travelers. As the industry watches closely, the results of this experiment could shape the future of airline operations, labor relations, and cross-border travel for years to come.

Learn Today

Air France-KLM Group → A major European airline alliance formed by the merger of Air France and KLM in 2004.
Boeing 777-200 → A wide-body, long-range airplane used by KLM for transatlantic flights between Amsterdam and New York.
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization; an online permission required for visa-exempt travelers to the US.
Pilot Shortage → A deficit of qualified commercial pilots impacting airline flight operations and scheduling.
Joint Operation → Collaboration of different airline personnel, such as pilots and cabin crew, on a single branded flight.

This Article in a Nutshell

This summer, Air France pilots operate KLM’s New York–Amsterdam flights, marking a historic collaboration to combat pilot shortages while preserving service quality and regulatory standards for travelers and staff across Europe and the US.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Oliver Mercer
Chief Editor
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As the Chief Editor at VisaVerge.com, Oliver Mercer is instrumental in steering the website's focus on immigration, visa, and travel news. His role encompasses curating and editing content, guiding a team of writers, and ensuring factual accuracy and relevance in every article. Under Oliver's leadership, VisaVerge.com has become a go-to source for clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date information, helping readers navigate the complexities of global immigration and travel with confidence and ease.
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