Air France-KLM is pushing ahead with plans to change its name as it prepares to welcome Scandinavian carrier SAS into the fold. Although facing opposition from many inside the company, Group CEO Ben Smith has confirmed the airline group will rename itself in the vein of International Airlines Group (IAG), which does not contain the names of founding carriers British Airways or Iberia.

The move comes as Air France-KLM awaits the regulatory green light for its majority stake in SAS, which is expected to clear in the second half of 2026. The company is also eager to acquire a minority stake in Portuguese flag carrier TAP Air Portugal, although it faces a rival bid from German carrier Lufthansa.

Air France-KLM Set To Rebrand After SAS Deal

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According to a report by Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Smith has decided to go forward with the name change, citing the need for a neutral identity as the group portfolio expands. High-level managers have apparently been briefed that the ‘Air France-KLM Group’ moniker will be dropped, with the company considering the IAG model of adopting a more general name that doesn’t contain the two lead carriers. IAG was founded by the merger of British Airways and Iberia in 2011, but has since expanded to include Aer Lingus and Vueling, as well as launching LEVEL in 2017.

This news has reportedly divided management — internal sources claim that the working title of “The Blue Group” is being used by leadership, but it is not known if this has been earmarked as the group’s final name. The Air France-KLM moniker has been around for over 22 years since the two European carriers merged in early May 2004. The airlines also considered other names at the time, such as “French European Airlines”, but ultimately chose to retain the two airline brands in the final group name. According to an Air France-KLM spokesperson,

“It is perfectly logical to hold the discussion about a new name, given that we plan to add new brands to the Air France-KLM Group. After all, the current name only reflects our two historical brands.”

SAS And TAP Deal Progress

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Air France-KLM currently holds a 19.9% stake in Scandinavia’s SAS, but is looking to increase this to a majority 60.5% stake. Bringing such a significant carrier on board will undoubtedly alter the identity of the group. Air France-KLM holds stakes in several other airlines, including full ownership of Transavia and minority stakes in the likes of Air Corsica, Kenya Airways and WestJet.

With SAS making the transition from Star Alliance to SkyTeam in late 2024, Air France-KLM expects regulatory approval for its acquisition later this year. As for its TAP interest, a successful outcome is less clear amid strong competition from Lufthansa, with the Portuguese government aiming to finalize a deal in the second half of 2026.

Changing the group name could precipitate an even greater centralization of power in Paris, and there are concerns within KLM that it will have less power within the group following its restructuring. The Dutch carrier has enjoyed a high degree of independence over its finances and network over the years, but has faced continued pressure to cede its autonomy to the holding company.

What This Means For Passengers

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Major airline acquisitions and rebranding efforts ultimately have a major impact on passengers. While each airline brand is expected to retain its individual identity, consolidating under a single group will offer multiple benefits for customers. While Air France-KLM and SAS already coordinate closely, the Scandinavian airline’s closer integration will lead to a more seamless experience for those traveling across the expanded European network.

With the possible addition of TAP, Air France-KLM is pursuing a multi-hub strategy that would give customers access to a huge shared network out of four main hubs — Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Lisbon and Paris. Booking and transiting on one itinerary would be possible across each airline, while loyalty program integration would enhance the experience for frequent flyers.