For the full year 2017, Air France-KLM reported a 5.6% increase in passenger numbers, to 99 million, along with a 42% increase in operating profit, to €1.5bn, on sales of €25.8bn (+4.3%). The combined Passenger and Cargo operating result amounted to €1.2bn, a €479m improvement over the previous year at constant currency.

Net profit — not including balance sheet de-risking linked to the de-recognition of two pension plans (€1.4bn)  — was $1.2bn, a $363m increase from the previous year.

The number of passengers carried in 2017 grew by 4.3% to 84 million and unit revenue increased by 1.8% at constant currency. The company reports that the Passenger business benefitted from a favourable trading environment with disciplined capacity growth and dynamic demand. Demand was particularly strong on the North American routes and on the medium-haul hub network, with traffic increases of 6.1% and 7.4%, respectively.

In addition, the carrier saw a recovery in demand on Asian and Latin America routes, with a positive impact on unit revenues, which increased by 6.5% and 8.3%, respectively, at constant currency.

During the year, the group strengthened its existing partnerships and set up new joint ventures, with China Eastern, Jet Airways and Vietnam Airlines, while the foundations are being laid for the new North Atlantic Joint Venture with Delta and Virgin Atlantic. In December, Air France launched its new airline Joon.