The aviation group Air France-KLM is contemplating a strategic increase in its stake in SAS Scandinavian Airlines, currently holding a 19.9 percent share. CEO Ben Smith has made it clear that this potential expansion hinges on specific conditions being met, primarily the completion of SAS's full membership in the SkyTeam alliance.
As of March 21, 2025, SAS is actively pursuing actions to strengthen its position within the SkyTeam alliance. This move could be pivotal for both SAS and Air France-KLM, helping to solidify operational synergies and expand market reach throughout the Nordic region. Currently, Air France-KLM's stake in SAS does not require any formal approval from competition authorities, but any increase in shareholding is likely to invite scrutiny and necessitate approvals from both European and national competition regulators.
The ongoing efforts by SAS to gain full membership within the SkyTeam are essential for fostering a potential partnership that would result in a larger stake for Air France-KLM. Ben Smith highlighted that this membership could serve as the foundation for such an acquisition, which could result in more flight connections and an increase in passenger volume for Air France-KLM in the lucrative Scandinavian market.
Meanwhile, the travel company Modoo Tour has introduced a new exhibition called "Zoom in France," which showcases eco-friendly package tours utilizing flights powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in partnership with Air France-KLM. This initiative was also made public on March 21, 2025, and focuses on promoting sustainable travel options.
SAF, which significantly reduces carbon emissions by up to 80 percent as compared to traditional fossil fuels, highlights Modoo Tour's commitment to the environment. The exhibition will feature trips to prominent French landmarks, including Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel, offering a variety of custom travel packages tailored to different preferences.
Among these offerings is a distinctive product titled “[All Signatures] France 9 Days a Week,” which stands out for its absence of mandatory tips, optional excursions, or shopping requirements, making it an appealing choice for many travelers. It also provides accommodations in four-star hotels throughout the journey.
This particular tour encompasses renowned locations such as Verdon Gorge, a winery in the Saint-Émilion region, and the picturesque port town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Travelers will also have the privilege of enjoying experiences like a Seine River cruise aboard the Batomouche, which encapsulates Parisian charm, along with dining at the Le Ciel de Paris restaurant on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower.
Lee Dae-hyuk, head of Modoo Tour's product division, remarked, "After signing the SAF partnership with Air France-KLM in the past 23 years, Modoo Tour has been introducing various eco-friendly products. We will continue our efforts as a company that fulfills its responsibilities to the environment and community in the future, recognizing that sustainable travel is not just a trend but an essential value."
This exhibition not only highlights travel to some of the most popular destinations in France but is also designed to engage eco-conscious travelers. Currently, Modoo Tour is offering discounts for group bookings—specifically, 100,000 won for groups of three, 500,000 won for groups of six, and 1 million won for groups of nine. This initiative is expected to encourage more travelers to join the eco-friendly movement while exploring the splendors of France.
As the travel landscape continues to evolve with increasing environmental awareness, the introduction of these sustainable travel options by both Air France-KLM and Modoo Tour illustrates a growing commitment to responsible tourism. This collaborative approach could lead others in the industry to follow suit, promoting a greener tourism sector.
In summary, both Air France-KLM's potential investment in SAS and Modoo Tour's innovative exhibition reflect significant movements in the aviation and travel industries focused on sustainability and enhanced cooperation. The next steps for these companies could shape the future dynamics of travel across France and the broader European market.
