In this interview with the Budapest Business Journal, he outlines the company’s local priorities, upcoming global routes, and sustainability goals.

BBJ: You’ve been with Air France-KLM for more than two decades. How have your previous roles in Prague and the regional markets prepared you for leading the Hungarian office?

Jan Kropacek: I feel that all my previous roles are supporting my new position here. The Czech and Hungarian markets share similarities, as well as a few differences, but I am confident that I possess the capabilities, strength, and courage to achieve our goals.

BBJ: What makes the Hungarian market unique in terms of customer behavior or demand patterns?

JK: It’s fair to say that Hungary is a typical Central European market: somewhat price-sensitive, yet with potential for growth. We observe that passenger numbers are steadily rising, so if you find the right balance, you can be very successful. Additionally, we see that, just as in other Central and Eastern European countries, the price-to-value ratio is becoming increasingly important, even among tourists. This is reflected in the growing sales of premium products. However, as I mentioned earlier, there is still room for improvement.

BBJ: With the upgrade of the La Première first class and the introduction of Economy Comfort on Air France flights, how is the group aiming to differentiate itself in terms of in-flight experience?

JK: In aviation, First Class is becoming increasingly rare, with only a few airlines still offering this level of comfort. This scarcity is one of the factors that makes Air France stand out, and our brand-new La Première cabin takes luxury to another level. The suite is uniquely designed to span five windows and includes a chaise longue that transforms into a fully flat bed. This opulence is complemented by a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, serving as a true ambassador of French gastronomy.

For KLM, our Business and Premium Comfort cabins are among the best in the industry, but what truly sets us apart is the exceptional quality of our onboard service. Our cabin crew consistently receives outstanding feedback from customers, particularly for their friendliness and professionalism.

We have now rolled out our premium cabins across all Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners. Meanwhile, intra-European travel has become more comfortable and eco-friendly, thanks to our Airbus A321neo fleet, which is gradually replacing aircraft that are more than 20 years old.

BBJ: New summer destinations include San Diego, Orlando, Hyderabad, and Manila. How relevant are these for Hungarian passengers?

JK: For Hungarian travelers, Orlando and San Diego are particularly attractive, as most of our transfer passengers fly to the United States. We aim to provide them with as many options as possible, not only by opening new routes but also by increasing flight frequencies. In this endeavor, we rely on our SkyTeam partner, Delta Air Lines, which offers seamless connections via Atlanta to virtually every major U.S. destination.

In the Far East, both KLM and Air France are currently facing some competitive disadvantages due to the closure of Russian airspace and other geopolitical factors. However, the latest passenger traffic data shows that Asia is once again driving global expansion, so it’s crucial that our group maintains a presence there. We ensure that passengers have a choice with our premium products, whether they are inbound or outbound travelers.

BBJ: How important is the joint venture with Delta Air Lines for your operations in Hungary?

JK: As mentioned earlier, the vast majority of Hungarian transfer passengers travel to the United States and Canada, depending on their travel class. This isn’t unique to Hungary; our entire airline group’s long-haul traffic is heavily focused on North America. One reason for this is that Air France and KLM operates the most flights to Canada from Europe, and our joint venture with Delta Air Lines allows passengers to book seamlessly across both airlines on a single platform. Delta’s two main hubs, New York-JFK and Atlanta, provide multiple daily flights to major U.S. cities; without this network, we wouldn’t be as successful.

BBJ: Sustainability is a significant focus for the group. How does this translate into your operations and communication strategy in Hungary?

JK: Sustainability is a collective responsibility, and Air France-KLM is committed to playing its role. The group has strong ambitions when it comes to reducing carbon emissions, advocating for an industry-wide transformation that ensures a level playing field globally. To monitor our progress, the group has set the following ambition: a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions per passenger-kilometer by 2030 compared to 2019.

Our trajectory aligns with the ambitions outlined in the Paris Agreement on climate change. To achieve this, based on the knowledge and context in 2022, the group developed an action plan structured around four key levers: Fleet Renewal, Sustainable Aviation Fuel Incorporation, Operational Measures, and Intermodality.

We’ve made optional SAF contributions available to both individual and corporate travelers. This is a key part of our communication strategy, especially toward business clients, as it helps companies reduce their Scope 3 emissions.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of June 27, 2025.