Air France-KLM Said to Weigh Changing Dutch Head for New Era
- Group CEO Smith seeking to centralize operations, plane deals
- KLM chief Elbers’s contract runs out at the end of April
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Air France-KLM is discussing whether to replace Dutch unit head Pieter Elbers over concerns he may not fully support Chief Executive Officer Ben Smith’s plans to strengthen ties between the two carriers, according to people familiar with the matter.
Smith, who took the helm of the holding company in September, is keen for the heads of the Air France and KLM units to work closer together and back his drive to centralize more operations, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private plans. For example, the CEO wants to end the current practice of the airlines separately negotiating plane purchases and alliances, they said. French media La Tribune first reported Thursday that Smith may be pushing for Elbers’ departure.