EUclaim, a company that helps travelers get money back from airlines in the event of delays and cancellations, does not understand that Air France-KLM is not intervening in Transavia’s fleet problems. The budget airline has been duping tens of thousands of customers since last month by canceling their holidays due to a shortage of planes. EUclaim finds it ‘strange’ that KLM does not come to the rescue by supplying loaner aircraft.
The misery at Transavia is expected to last until the summer holidays. Anyone who has booked a holiday with Transavia or through a travel organization cannot be sure in the coming months whether his or her trip will continue. Transavia is currently missing eight Boeing 737s due to late delivery of leased aircraft, damage or maintenance.
EUclaim director Hendrik Noorderhaven finds it strange that parent company Air France-KLM is not joining: “In our opinion, KLM and Air France had the capacity to help.” But according to a spokesman for KLM, that claim is not true. “We really need our planes ourselves”.
Engine problems
Several aircraft are also grounded at KLM. Part of the KLM Cityhopper fleet has engine problems and cannot be used for an extended period of time. To make up for its own shortfall, KLM also hires planes from other airlines.
An Embraer 195-E2 from KLM Cityhopper that cannot fly for the time being. The article continues below the photo.
Last summer, several blue Boeings flew for Transavia, mainly flying to destinations from Rotterdam. These were exclusively Boeing 737-700s from KLM, of which the company has fewer this year due to phasing out and, partly because of this, can no longer miss a plane.
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