SCHIOPHOL: The chief executive of Air France-KLM admitted "tensions" over the future of the airline alliance as the Dutch carrier marked its 100th anniversary on Monday.
Frictions burst into the open earlier this year when the Dutch government unexpectedly raised its stake in the group to almost the same level as the French state.
The surprise move followed years of disagreements over the profitability of Air France and KLM, which merged in 2004 but continue to operate largely separately.
"Yes, there are some tensions," Air France-KLM's Canadian CEO Ben Smith told a press conference in a hangar at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.
"I think that when you have two airlines in a group that are so important for each country, and mean so much in each country and in the history of each country... it's only natural to see that each government wants to secure their interests for the future."
Smith added that the French and Dutch governments "are looking to ensure both companies a strong future."
In February, the Dutch government caused a political storm when it unexpectedly lifted its stake in the airline to 14 percent, just shy of the 14.3 percent held by France.
The move was prompted by doubts over the alliance's growth strategy, and worries that Dutch interests were being neglected while Air France pilots and crews were resisting the hard choices needed to streamline operations.
A series of strikes at Air France earlier this year forced flight cancellations over several months.
KLM chief Pieter Elbers said it was a good step that Paris and The Hague were in talks about the issue.
"What is important is that there are discussions between the Dutch government as a new shareholder and the French government as an existing long-term shareholder," Elbers said when asked about the tensions.
"What's relevant for us is that they take the time to come to a good understanding in order to move forward as a group and for the individual airlines," added Elbers, speaking against a backdrop of scenes from the Dutch airline's century-long history.
Airline boss admits 'tensions' as KLM marks 100 years
Airline boss admits 'tensions' as KLM marks 100 years
- The Dutch government caused a political storm when it unexpectedly lifted its stake in the airline to 14 percent
Saudi Aramco achieves significant progress in its gas production plan
RIYADH: Saudi Aramco has announced the achievement of significant progress in its plan to expand gas production, with the start of production at the Jafurah field, the largest unconventional gas field in the Middle East, and the commencement of operational activities at the Tanajib Gas Plant, one of the largest gas plants in the world.
The oil giant aims to increase its sales gas production capacity by approximately 80 percent by 2030 compared to 2021 production levels, reaching nearly 6 million barrels of oil equivalent per day from total gas and associated liquids production, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
This is expected to generate additional operating cash flows ranging between $12 billion and $15 billion in 2030, subject to future demand for sales gas and liquids prices.
President and CEO of Saudi Aramco, Amin Al-Nasser, said: “We are proud to commence production at the Jafurah field and begin operations at the Tanajib Gas Plant. These are major achievements for Saudi Aramco and the future of energy in the Kingdom. Our ambitious gas program is expected to become a key source of profitability.”
He affirmed that these mega-projects contribute to meeting the growing domestic demand for gas, supporting industrialization and development in several key sectors, in addition to producing significant quantities of high-value liquids.
Al-Nasser expressed his gratitude for the support, trust, and attention that Saudi Aramco receives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, crown prince and prime minister, noting that this has had the most profound impact on the company’s achievements and distinguished projects that serve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The gas extracted from the Jafurah field is expected to support the Kingdom’s growth targets in key sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, major industries, and petrochemicals, potentially providing a major boost to the Kingdom’s economy and strengthening its position among the world’s top ten gas producers.
Saudi Aramco began first producing unconventional shale gas from the Jafurah field in December 2025, with technology playing a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of the Jafurah field and establishing it as a global benchmark for unconventional gas development.
Since its inception, the project has leveraged technology to help reduce drilling and stimulation costs and enhance well productivity, contributing to its strong economic prospects.
The Jafurah area covers 17,000 sq. km and is estimated to contain 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion barrels of condensates. The Jafurah field project aims to produce 2 billion standard cubic feet per day of sales gas, 420 million standard cubic feet per day of ethane, and approximately 630,00 barrels per day of gas liquids and condensates by 2030.
The Tanajib Gas Plant is a key pillar in Aramco’s strategy to increase gas processing capacities and diversify its energy product portfolio, helping to foster long-term economic growth.
Operations began in December 2025, and its raw gas processing capacity is expected to reach 2.6 billion standard cubic feet per day in 2026. The start of operations at the Tanajib Plant coincided with the commencement of production from the Marjan field expansion and development program.
The plant is distinguished by its digital integration, enhanced operational efficiency, capability to execute complex projects, and optimal use of resources. It processes raw gas associated with crude oil production from the offshore Marjan and Zuluf fields.
Aramco’s gas expansion is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, generating significant added value and strengthening its position as a reliable energy provider.
It also helps meet the growing demand for natural gas and enhances its supply to national industries.
The expansion strategy supports efforts aimed at achieving the optimal energy mix for local electricity generation, advancing the Kingdom’s liquid fuel displacement program, which will have a positive environmental impact, supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, enhancing energy security, and contributing to building a more diversified national economy.
