Air France KLM Group has formally inaugurated its new regional headquarters at Dubai Airport Freezone. The ceremony was held under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA), President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Al Zarooni, Director General of DAFZA;Mr. Henri de Peyrelongue, Executive Vice President Commercial Sales Air France-KLM; and Mr. WelmerBlom Senior Vice President, Middle East, Gulf and India Air France KLM.The inauguration ceremony took place with the appropriate health precautions in place.

The Air France KLM team relocated to the new offices in Dubai Airport Freezone on 1^st November 2020. 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 team have 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.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum 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.

“The opening of Air France – KLM 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. With this opening, DAFZA has continued its process of developing business opportunities and attracting new global partners who put their confidence in the emirate of Dubai. Backed by the support of the forward-looking vision of our wise leadership that has enabled us to plan for the future and reap important benefits today,”His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed added.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) said: “We welcome the inauguration of the Air France KLM Group regional headquarters at DAFZA, which will enhance communications 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. DAFZA will continue to provide innovative services and develop a base of operations that serve the future expansion of all companies and businesses. This will help in building a new start-up base that meets its ambitions.”

Commenting on the opening, YeshwantPawar, General Manager, Air France KLM, Gulf, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan, said: “It is our pleasure to welcome His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of DCAA, to the opening ceremony and our new home at the heart of the aviation sector in Dubai Airport Freezone, from where we cover the entire region. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the authorities in Dubai and the UAE, which has become a global model in terms of the response to the current crisis. Our new offices provide not only flexibility and comfort for staff but also support our broader sustainability aims thanks to the building’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification with Gold Rating, helping reduce impact on the environment.Our aim is to continue to support the community, industry and the country. We have already resumed services with six weekly Air France and daily KLM flights to Dubai, with additional sanitary measures to ensure passenger safety. With so many major events and occasions now moving into 2021, there will be even more reasons to visit Dubai and the UAE.”

The new ‘flex work office’ provides a more flexible and relaxed workplace with fewer fixed stations and offices. This allows people more freedom to work in a more relaxed environment, as the team continues to move back safely to the office from the remote working format. Most importantly, Air France KLM aims to make the new office part of the sustainability programme, which is at the top of the group’s global agenda, and to contribute to its social responsibility activities and reduce the carbon footprint. This forms part of its commitment to the vision of a sustainable industry, which values and respects the environment.