One of Europe’s largest airline groups could be preparing for a name change.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that Air France-KLM is considering rebranding in light of its growing portfolio. Besides Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the company also owns Netherlands-based Transavia and has minority stakes in a number of other carriers. According to De Telegraaf, it is looking to become the majority owner of Scandinavian Airlines, better known as SAS, and a new name would help reflect an expanded focus beyond its core carriers.
Air France-KLM is also believed to be considering an acquisition of TAP Air Portugal.
Following the newspaper’s report, the company said in a statement that it would be “perfectly logical” to discuss a name change “given that we plan to add new brands to the Air France-KLM Group.”
As of Friday, no new name had been announced, but one contender is “The Blue Group,” reportedly championed by CEO Benjamin Smith.
Both Air France and KLM use the color blue as one of their official colors. Air France uses navy blue, as seen on the French flag, while KLM uses a distinctive light blue.
Air France and KLM merged in 2004, creating the existing airline group. The French and Dutch governments continue to own stakes in the company.
