Air France KLM Group opens new regional HQ in Dubai
dubai — Air France KLM Group has formally inaugurated its new regional headquarters at Dubai Airport Freezone.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chiarman of Emirates airline and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group; Dr Mohammad Al Zarooni, director-general of Dafza; Henri de Peyrelongue, executive vice-president for commercial sales at Air France-KLM; and Welmer Blom, senior vicepresident for the Middle East, Gulf and India at Air France KLM, attended the inauguration ceremony, which took place with the appropriate health precautions in place.
The Air France KLM team relocated to the new offices in Dubai Airport Freezone on November 1. The entire regional team is now based at the new offices, including general management, HR, finance, commercial, UAE country management and regional sales support.
In addition, Air France Industries’ management unit has also relocated with the team, from the former offices at the Al Shoala Complex in Deira to the new Dafza location which is designed to support the group’s sustainability goals.
Sheikh Ahmed said the inauguration of the group’s new headquarters at the heart of the world’s leading aviation sector is an affirmation of Dubai’s strategic position.
“It highlights Dubai’s ability to continue its growth and overcome challenges by attracting global players in the sector,” he said.
“The opening of Air FranceKLM at Dubai Airport freezone is a great addition to the elite global brands and major companies based in Dafza. This announcement comes as part of the efforts and incentive packages provided by the emirate to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic through a highly flexible approach. This strategy has helped ensure business continuity and growth and accelerate recovery to the next stage, especially within the aviation sector, which has been affected by the global restrictions and measures that were applied at the beginning of the pandemic.”
Dr Al Zarooni said: “We welcome the inauguration of the Air France KLM Group regional headquarters at Dafza, which will enhance communi
cations and connections in the Middle East. The group’s selection of Dafza is important as it will yield positive results for both sides. It will contribute to the growth of business and strengthen its operations in the region and abroad.”