Business-oriented carrier VLM Airlines, has been bought by Air France-KLM.
In a deal that accelerates the consolidation of European airlines at a regional as well as national level, VLM owners Panta Holdings, said it had agreed terms for the sale, although financial details remain undisclosed.
”VLM has developed from a small airline into the most important player at London City Airport,” said Panta Holdings owner Jaap Rosen Jacobsen. ”I am proud about this development and even more about the opportunities ahead for VLM Airlines under the wings of Air France-KLM.”
VLM has long-trumpeted its independent heritage - a rare reality in the European regional aviation environment - but appears to have bowed to the inevitable momentum that is gathering pace across the Continent.
The carrier operates a fleet of 18 Fokker 50 and one BAE 146 aircraft mainly from its hub at London City Airport, but what is especially interesting is how this substantial operation will fit into Air France-KLM-owned City Jet - itself now a major player at the Docklands business hub. As a result of the acquisition, CityJet will have a mixture of aircraft ranging from Dornier 328-100, BAE 146 and Fokker 50 machines.
CityJet operates ten services from London City, including those on behalf of Scot Airways, whose livery has changed to that of the Air France subsidiary, although there appears to be little route overlap with VLM. The Belgian airline notes however, that: ”VLM will actively cooperate with CityJet.”
It is still unclear at this stage whether VLM will retain its identity and livery, but managing director Johan Vanneste, said: ”It will create value for our customers, as this transaction will ensure access to the largest number of destinations from London City Airport.
”The strengths of the Air France ” KLM group will provide the necessary support to take the development of VLM Airlines to the next level.”